Effect of Timing of Umbilical Cord Clamping on Neonatal Jaundice in Preterm Newborns between Gestational Age 32-36 Weeks: An Observational Study

There is concern regarding safety of delayed cord clamping in preterm newborns. Thus, Aa hospital based prospective, observational study on vaginally delivered stable babies between 32 to 36 weeks gestation born to mothers with no apparent co-morbid illness and complicationswas done. Timing of cord clamping was noted and 100 newborns subjected to DCC (greater than30sec till 180sec) or ECC (less than30sec) at birth were enrolled. Primary objective was to compare hyperbilirubinemia and need of requirement of phototherapy in the study groups in first week of life. Secondary outcomes included, hematocrit and ferritin levels at 6 weeks postnatal age.Mean peak bilirubin levels in ECC and DCC group were 11.3mg/dl and 12.57mg/dl respectively(pgreater than0.001). Results showed no increased risk of hyperbilirubinemia in DCC group. Mean Hct at 6weeks in ECC and DCC group was 30.47% and 38.17% respectively(pless than0.001); significantly higher in DCC group. DCC performed in moderate to late preterm infants showed no increased risk of hyperbilirubinemia or need /duration of phototherapy in respect to timing of cord clamping.DCC benefits moderate to late preterms with no significant adverse effects and helps in building iron stores in infants and preventing anemia at 6 weeks. The ability to provide delayed umbilical cord clamping may vary among institutions and settings. The ability to provide delayed umbilical cord clamping may vary among institutions and setting. The ability to provide delayed umbilical cord clamping may vary among institutions and settings The ability to provide delayed umbilical cord clamping may vary among institutions and settings. Results showed no increased risk of hyperbilirubinemia in DCC group. Mean Hct at 6weeks in ECC and DCC group was 30.47% and 38.17% respectively(pless than0.001).