Clinical Trial: Effect of Timing of Umbilical Cord Clamping on Haematological and Clinical Outcomes of Infants

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Effect of Timing of Umbilical Cord Clamping on Haematological and Clinical Outcomes of Infants at Birth and Three Months of Age

Brief Summary:

In developing countries up to 50% of children become anemic by 12 months of age(1. Iron deficiency anemia is a major risk factor for neonatal and infantile mortality and morbidity in Pakistan. It has detrimental effects on neurodevelopment of infants and may be irreversible even after iron therapy(2). Type of cost effective interventions during perinatal period for prevention of anemia in later infancy is limited. Delayed cord clamping has a beneficial effect on prevention of anemia in later infancy because of increased iron stores at birth(3. However there are controversies in incorporating delayed cord clamping practice in the management of third stage of labour globally(4) Paucity of national guidelines and lack of substantial data in Pakistan on this topic strongly necessitates such study trials. This study may contribute to develop a protocol on the timing of cord clamping which will be cost effective in prevention of iron deficiency anemia in the investigators infantile population.

The investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trial and the investigators hypothesis is that delayed cord clamping will result in higher hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) and ferritin at third month as compared to early cord clamping.

OBJECTIVES:

A- Primary:

  1. To study the effect of timing of umbilical cord clamping on hemoglobin (Hb), Hematocrit (Hct) at birth, 48 hours and Hb, Hct and ferritin at three months of age.
  2. To study the effect of timing of umbilical cord clamping on short term clinical profile of neonates like jaundice, respiratory distress, anemia, polycythemia etc. during fist 24 to 48 hours of life.

Delayed umbilical cord clamping (DCC) results in approximately 30-40 ml additional placental blood volume transfusion to the neonate and 30-35 mg increase in iron stores at birth(5).The neonatal benefits include higher hematocrit (Hct), higher red blood cells flow to vital organs, better cardiopulmonary adaptation, additional iron stores and less anemia in later infancy(6).It is evident from different studies that no adverse effects of DCC have been noticed in mothers as well as in their neonates(7). The beneficial effect of delayed cord clamping is not only observed in term infants but it has a positive impact on preterm and small for gestational age (SGA) infants too. The requirement of packed cell transfusion in first six months has significantly reduced as noticed from different studies(8).It is also associated with lower risk of intraventricular hemorrhage and late onset sepsis in preterm infants(9).

The practice of early cord clamping (ECC) is commonly following in our maternity units. It is believed that it reduces the risk of post partum haemorrhage (PPH) and duration of third stage of labour. But at the same time it does not provide any benefit to the neonate(4).Conversely it increases the possibility of fetomaternal transfusion, hypovolemic damage, neonatal anemia, respiratory distress syndrome and type 2 diabetes in later life(5).The risk of iso immunization in rhesus negative mothers are also increased with ECC(10).


Sponsor: Aga Khan University

Current Primary Outcome:

  • Hematological Characteristics of Infants [ Time Frame: From Birth to Third month of age ]
    Infantile hematological characteristics ( hemoglobin, hematocrit at birth(cord),48 hours of age and Hemoglobin, Hematocrit and serum ferritin at third month).
  • Short term Clinical Profiles [ Time Frame: From birth to 48 hours of age ]
    Short term neonatal clinical profile (respiratory distress, polycythemia hematocrit ≥65%), neonatal anemia , clinical jaundice hyperbilirubinemia),requirement of phototherapy or exchange transfusion)


Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

Current Secondary Outcome: Maternal Characteristics [ Time Frame: From Delivery to 48 hours postpartum ]

Maternal characteristics ( Primary PPH, duration of third stage of labour ≥ 30 min, mean blood loss during the third stage of labour, need for therapeutic oxytocin, manual removal of placenta and Hb at 48 hours postpartum).


Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

Information By: Aga Khan University

Dates:
Date Received: March 4, 2010
Date Started: August 2008
Date Completion:
Last Updated: August 1, 2012
Last Verified: August 2012