Effects of Delayed Cord Clamping on Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants

Background: One of the benefits of delayed cord clamping is a reduction in the rate of intraventricular hemorrhage. The findings in this regard are controversial and some negative effects of the procedure have been reported. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of delayed cord clamping on intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants. Methods: This clinical trial was carried out on 70 preterm neonates delivered via cesarean section. Their gestational age was less than 32 weeks and the birth weight less than 1500 grams. Neonates were randomly assigned to two groups of early cord clamping (less than 10 seconds) or delayed clamping of the umbilical cord (30 - 45 seconds after birth). 3 to 7 days after birth, presence of Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in both groups was checked by ultrasonography (Mindray machine, model m7) and. Rate and severity of IVH was compared between the two groups. Results: There was no significant difference in mean gestational age, birth weight, gender distribution and medications in both groups of delayed cord clamping and early clamping of the umbilical cord. The incidence of seizures in the early clamping was 8.6% and in the delayed clamping zero (P = 0.239). The incidence rate of IVH and periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) was 11.43% and 5.7%, respectively in the early clamping, while this rate was zero in the delayed clamping group. This difference was not statistically significant in both indicators (P = 0.12 and P = 0.493, respectively). Conclusions: The results showed that intraventricular hemorrhage in premature neonates with delayed clamping was less prevalent than those with early clamping, and may be used as a reliable method.