Delayed cord clamping for prevention of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm neonates: a randomized control trial

Abstract

Background Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a common condition in preterm neonates and is responsible for substantial adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm neonates. Prevention of IVH is an important intervention for better neurological outcome in these preterm neonates. Aims and objective This study aimed to determine whether delayed cord clamping (DCC) was superior to immediate cord clamping (ICC) for the prevention of IVH in preterm neonates. Patients and methods In this two centered prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial, eligible neonates with gestational age from 26 to 34 weeks were randomized to receive either ICC (cord clamped in 10–15 s) or DCC (cord clamped in 30–45 s) groups. The grading and severity of IVH were evaluated by cranial ultrasound scan done on the 3–4th and 7–10th days after birth. Results Among the 148 enrolled neonates, 79 were in the ICC group and 69 were in the DCC group. There was no difference in maternal and neonatal baseline characteristics except the neonates in the DCC group weighed more (ICC 1528.77 ± 365.5 g vs. DCC 1658.11 ± 419.52 g; p = .047) at birth. There was no significant difference in the incidence of any grade of IVH in both groups (ICC 12.8% vs. DCC 14.5%; p = .745). There was a significantly higher incidence of grade I IVH (ICC 2.5% vs. DCC 13%; p = .024) in the DCC group. The incidence of grade II IVH (ICC 5.1% vs. DCC 0%; p = .123); grade III IVH (ICC 3.8% vs. DCC 1.4%; p = .623); and grade IV IVH (ICC 1.3% vs. DCC 0%; p>.999) were comparable between the two groups. The incidence of a significant IVH (grades II, III, and IV) was significantly less in the DCC group (ICC 10.1% vs. DCC 1.4%, p = .036). The mean initial hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in neonates enrolled in DCC (15.41 ± 2.1 vs. 16.46 ± 2.45 g/dL; p = .007). There was a significant reduction in the number of days of hospital stay (ICC 18.78 ± 15.42 vs. DCC 13.21 ± 16.16; p = .002). There was no difference in initial hematocrit, platelet count, maximum bilirubin level, and Apgar score (p>.05). Conclusions Although there was no reduction in any grade of IVH, the incidence of significant IVH (grades II, III, and IV) was significantly decreased with the use of DCC in preterm neonates. Delayed cord clamping also resulted in a significant increase in birth weight, higher hemoglobin levels, and shorter hospital stays without any increase in the risks of hyper-bilirubinemia, low Apgar score, and neonatal mortality. Trial registry IRCT2014031116936N1, https://www.irct.ir/trial/15707.