Optimal Timing of Umbilical Cord Clamping: Is the Debate Settled? Part 2 of 2: Evidence in Preterm and Term Infants, Alternatives, and Unanswered Questions

Abstract

Educational Gaps 1. Clinicians should have an understanding of the currently available evidence about timing of umbilical cord clamping in both preterm and term infants. 2. Umbilical cord milking may provide a safe and effective alternative to delayed cord clamping.

Delayed cord clamping in term large‐for‐gestational age infants: A prospective randomised study

“…Clamping of the umbilical cord is one of the most ancient interventions in human history. However, the timing of cord clamping is still a subject of debate . ECC, in the first 5–10 s, was demonstrated to cause iron deficiency, and this finding played an imperative role in the recommendation of DCC by the scientific societies .…”

“…Even in developed countries, children with anaemia suffer from permanently decreased cognitive function . Choosing DCC, particularly in developing countries where iron deficiency anaemia is relatively common, is a simple intervention that may improve the iron levels of infants …”

“…In recent years, the DCC technique has been recommended for term infants to prevent iron deficiency anaemia in infancy, especially in developing countries . Studies have shown that DCC increases haemoglobin levels and iron stores and thus prevents the occurrence of iron deficiency anaemia in term infants . DCC, however, might increase the chances of polycythaemia, jaundice, the need for phototherapy and respiratory distress, especially in certain risk groups of infants.…”

Timing of umbilical cord clamping of term infants

“…Other authors have described similar results. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Such effect is very important for the future of children considering that iron deficiency in the early stages may be harmful to the central nervous system and result in neurocognitive disorders. In addition, iron deficiency is the main cause of anemia, a severe condition in developing countries, although less serious in developed countries.…”

Tiempo de clampeo del cordón umbilical en recién nacidos de término

“…Otros autores hallaron resultados similares. [13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Este efecto tiene enorme importancia futura en los niños porque la deficiencia de Fe en las primeras etapas puede tener efectos perjudiciales en el sistema nervioso central con trastornos cognitivos. Asimismo, es la principal causa de anemia, una afección grave en países en vías de desarrollo y de menor cuantía en los desarrollados.…”