ABSTRACT

Aim: To study effect on neonatal hemoglobin and hematocrit in early versus delayed cord clamping.

Study design: Randomized controlled trial

Place and duration: Gynecology &Obstetrics Lady Aitchison Hospital Lahore from 1^st July 2016 to 31^st January 2017

Methods: Total 450 neonates after a low risk pregnancy were included in study. After obtaining written parental consent, newborn were randomly assigned to group 1 i.e. early cord clamping (<10 seconds after delivery) and group 2  i.e., delayed cord clamping (>180 seconds after delivery).Infants venous samples were taken after 6 and 24 hours of birth to measure neonate hemoglobin and hematocrit level.

Results: Mean venous hemoglobin and hematocrit values were taken at 6 hours and 24 hours after birth. Hematocrit at 6 hours of age in ECC group were 51.0±2.9, and in the late LCC were, 55.0±3.1 and neonatal hemoglobin was 16.8±1.0 in group I and 17.7±1.0 in group II. Statistical analysis was done and p value was calculated which was found to be <0.01.

Conclusion:Neonatal mean venous hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were increased in delayed cord clamping versus early cord clamping,but it was within normal physiological range. Delayed cord clamping seems to reduce incidence of neonatal anemia at 6 and 24 hrs of life.