Effect of Delayed Versus Early Cord Clamping on Improving Anemia in Term Infants Aged Two Months or Older — A Meta-analysis

Abstract

To assess the effects of delayed cord clamping (DCC) on hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and ferritin level in infants 2 months or older. Meta-analysis of randomized control trials searched systematically from PubMed, Cochrane and Web of science. Trials published from Jan 1,1975 to Mar 12, 2018, no language and country restrictions. Twelve studies were included in this meta-analysis. In total, 993 infants were treated with DCC, while 989 cases received early cord clamping. Delayed cord clamping was defined as umbilical cord clamping time greater than 60s after delivery. Outcomes assed were (i) hemoglobin (Hb), (ii) mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and ferritin level. The results show that DCC increased hemoglobin level (SMD=0.4678 95%CI: [0.1515, 0.7841]), Ferritin level (SMD=2.1450 95%CI: [1.0431, 3.2470]) and MCV (SMD=0.5751 95%CI: [0.1637, 0.9865]) in infants between 2-12 months compared to ECC subject analysis noted the effects of Hb increase was greater in Asian infants. Delayed cord clamping improved the Hb, MCV and ferritin level of infants after birth.