Effect of Early versus Delayed Cord Clamping on Hematological Parameters of Term Neonates

Abstract

Objective: To compare the bilirubin serum, hemoglobin, and hematocrit in term infants undergoing delayed cord clamping with early cord clamping after normal and caesarean delivery. Methods: This is a prospective observational study. The neonates in which cord clamping was done within 15 seconds were considered in early cord clamping (ECC) group and where cord clamping was done after 1 minute was considered in delayed cord clamping (DCC) group. The PCV, Hb, serum bilirubin were observed after 48 hours in both the groups and compared. Result: There was statistically significant difference in means of Hb level (p = 0.001) and PCV level (p = 0.001) between DCC and ECC group whereas no statistically significant difference was present in total serum bilirubin level (p = 0.359). Conclusion: There was no significant increase in risk of polycythaemia and hyperbilirubinemia between delayed cord clamping and early cord clamping group rather has beneficial effects in increasing the hemoglobin and hematocrit in the infants.