Neonatal Transfusion Research Articles

Assement Efficacy and Complication of the Distance between Phototherapy Lamps and Neonate’s Body Level on Serum Bilirubin Decrease and Phototherapy Complications in Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

Background: Jaundice is one of the most leading causes of neonate hospitalization (51.8%) during the first four weeks of life, and phototherapy is one of the most common and safest methods for the treatment of jaundice. Different results have been obtained from the studies conducted on the investigation of factors affecting increased phototherapy effect on the reduction of neonatal jaundice. However, there still exist many questions concerning the methods that maximize the effect of phototherapy.The current research aimed to determine the effect of the distance between phototherapy lamps and neonate's body on the reduction of serum bilirubin and phototherapy complications in the neonates with physiologic jaundice.Methods: The study was carried out on 60 newborns with jaundice. The neonates in the intervention group were put under phototherapy within a distance of 20 cm, and the ones in the control group underwent phototherapy within a distance of 40 cm. Daily bilirubin was measured at times 0, 12, and 24, and the neonates were examined in terms of serum bilirubin reduction and phototherapy complications.Results: The obtained results revealed that phototherapy within the distance of 20 cm causes more reduction in the total bilirubin 12 and 24 hours after phototherapy. However, there was no significant difference between bilirubin 48 hours after phototherapy and phototherapy duration and the complications between the two groups.Conclusion: Based on the results, the method of phototherapy distance reduction could be used as a safe and effective way for the quicker reduction of serum bilirubin level, prevention of hyperbilirubinemia complications and complications of blood transfusion in neonates with physiologic jaundice.

Neonatal and pediatric platelet transfusions: current concepts and controversies.

In this review, we focus on three specific concepts related to platelet transfusion in the neonatal and pediatric population: choice of transfusion threshold; use of ABO-mismatched platelets; transfusion of pathogen-reduced or inactivated platelets. Recent trials support the use of lower platelet transfusion thresholds (25 000/μl) in preterm neonates, although data is limited to guide transfusion among more mature neonates. In children, there is low-level evidence as to what the prophylactic platelet transfusion threshold should be in many situations of thrombocytopenia, revealing major variability in platelet transfusion practices. Most pediatric guidelines are extrapolated from adult studies with the most evidence in treatment-associated hypoproliferative thrombocytopenia varying between a platelet transfusion threshold of 10 000/μl to 20 000/μl. Although pathogen-reduced platelets may lower the risks of transfusion-transmitted infection, the effects on platelet refractoriness and transfusion burden in this population warrant additional study. Our review highlights recent advances in neonatal and pediatric platelet transfusion and also emphasizes the urgent need for better evidence to guide practice given recent studies showing the potential harms of platelet transfusion, particularly with liberal use.

Severe ABO Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn Requiring Exchange Transfusion.

ABO incompatibility (ABOi), the most common cause of hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), is nearly always mild and treatable with phototherapy. Reports of ABOi HDN requiring neonatal exchange transfusion are extremely rare since the inception of modern guidelines. Here, a case of ABOi HDN clearly met criteria for exchange transfusion. An O-positive African American mother delivered a B-positive neonate that quickly developed hyperbilirubinemia. The neonatal DAT was positive from anti-B and anti-A,B, and maternal IgG titer was 1024. Double volume exchange transfusion resulted in a favorable outcome. Given early discharge of newborns, further understanding of factors predicting severe disease is needed.

Application of cerebral regional oxygen saturation monitoring in neonatal blood exchange transfusion

Objective To observe the changes in cerebral regional oxygen saturation (CrSO2) during neonatal blood exchange transfusion(BET) and its effect on the level of bilirubin in neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia. Methods From January 2017 to March 2018, 52 newborns with severe hyperbilirubinemia were hospitalized in the Department of Neonatology, Children′s Hospital of Fudan University.Every newborn was treated with BET.Near infrared spectroscopy was used to monitor CrSO2 in the process of BET.The monitoring lasted from 2 hours before the beginning of BET to 2 hours after the completion of BET.The CrSO2 were recorded every 2 minutes and total surem bilirubin (TSB) and transcutaneous bilirubin(TCB) was measured.During this period, it is accompanied by the monitoring of neonatal body temperature, heart rate, respiration and bolld oxygen saturation(SpO2). The differences in CrSO2 changes at different time points during BET were compared.At the same time, the correlations between CrSO2 and blood oxygen saturation, TSB and TCB levels were analyzed.The results of repeated measurement analysis of variance compared between the two groups were corrected by Bonfferoni. Results Among the 52 children, there were 33 males (63.46%) and 19 females (36.54%). The gestational age, average birth weight and average head circumference of newborns were (38.6±2.1) weeks, (3 338±444) g and (33.6±3.2) cm, respectively.The Apgar score of newborn was (8.1±1.6) scores at 1 minute after birth.The level of TSB detected for the first time after admission was (457.9±97.8) μmol/L.The CrSO2 after BET (74.6%-76.0%) was significantly higher than that before BET (69.4%-69.0%), and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that during BET, CrSO2 showed a gradual upward trend, SpO2 also showed a synchronous increase, while the level of bilirubin showed a downward trend, and the downward trend of TSB level was more obvious than that of TCB. Conclusions CrSO2 can reflect the improvement of cerebral oxygenation during neonatal blood exchange transfusion and avoid cerebral hypoxia in the course of treatment. Key words: Cerebral regional oxygen saturation; Monitoring; High-risk infant; Cerebral protection; Severe hyperbilirubinemia

Comparison of cut and intact cord milking regarding cerebral oxygenation, hemodynamic and hematological adaptation of term infants

Objective Although both delayed umbilical cord clamping and intact umbilical cord milking (I-UCM) provide the effective placental transfusion at birth, these procedures may not be used in neonates needing resuscitation. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of cut umbilical cord milking (C-UCM), which permits resuscitation during an immediate transition period (ITP). Methods Sixty-two healthy term infants were randomly divided into C-UCM and I-UCM groups at birth. Approximately 30-cm length of cord was milked towards the baby 2–4 times within 20 seconds after birth in both C-UCM and I-UCM groups while the umbilical cord was cut in the former, and intact in the latter. Heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2), cerebral regional oxygen saturation (crSO2) (2nd–15th min), blood pressure (BP) (within 15–30 min), residual placental blood volume (RPBV), and hemoglobin levels (at the sixth hour) were monitored during ITP. Results There were no significant differences in terms of mean gestational age (w) [(39.0 ± 1.2) versus (38.8 ± 1.1)], birth weight (g) [(3351.45 ± 254.30) versus (3256.94 ± 285.52)], Apgar scores at the 5th min (10 ± 0 versus 10 ± 0), first breathing time (sec) (5.4 ± 3.8 versus 5.7 ± 4.1), SpO2, crSO2, BP (mmHg) [(52.9 ± 6.9) versus (51.8 ± 5.7)], hemoglobin levels (g/dl) [(17.7 ± 1.8) versus (18.4 ± 1.4)], and RPBV (ml/kg) [(23.9 ± 4.7) versus (22.9 ± 5.4)] between C-UCM and I-UCM groups (p > .05). Conclusion This study showed that C-UCM is as effective as I-UCM on cerebral oxygenation, hemodynamic and hematological adaptation of term infants in ITP. We suggest that C-UCM can provide additional placental transfusion in term neonates exposed to early cord clamping.

Platelet transfusion thresholds in neonatal medicine

Thrombocytopenia is common in preterm neonates. Thresholds for prophylactic platelet transfusion vary widely due to lack of evidence. The results of the PlaNet-2/MATISSE Study identified harm in the form of mortality and major bleed in babies prophylactically transfused below a platelet count of 50 × 109/L compared to 25 × 109/L. Neonatal platelet transfusions are administered at volumes based on historical practice which greatly exceed those routinely used in adults. Rate of transfusion is also based around practice in trauma and does not take into account the physiology of the preterm infant. There are multiple ways in which platelets may be mediating harm and this review discusses these potential mechanisms including immunological, inflammatory and blood group incompatibility. Much of the difficulty in assessing harm relates to problems in classification of transfusion-associated adverse events in babies. Thrombocytopenia and timing, efficacy and adverse effects of platelet transfusion are poorly understood. Further research is essential.

Transfusion in neonates and older children: Principles and updates

Transfusion in neonates and older children: Principles and updates

Association Between Cyanosis, Transfusion, and Thrombotic Complications in Neonates and Children Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Children with congenital heart defects are at increased risk for perioperative bleeding and postoperative thrombosis. In this study, the authors sought to develop a predictive model for postoperative thrombotic complications that integrates intraoperative bleeding and the requirement for allogenic blood products in addition to known patient and surgical characteristics. Retrospective cohort. Pediatric hospital. Neonates and children who underwent surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). None MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Demographic, laboratory, point-of-care coagulation, surgical, and perioperative transfusion data were collected. Among the 369 participants included in the study, 67 (18%) developed postoperative thrombotic complications. From multivariable logistic regression analyses, preoperative oxygen saturation <85% (odds ratio [OR] 2.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.10-3.85; p = 0.024), surgery in the neonatal period (OR 2.16, 95% CI 1.02-4.55; p = 0.044), use of preoperative antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy (OR 3.34, 95% CI 1.61-6.96; p = 0.001), and the volume of blood product transfused post-CPB (>80 mL/kg [OR 5.72, 95% CI 1.73-18.91; p = 0.004] and 15-80 mL/kg [OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.24-7.53; p = 0.015]) were independently associated with an increased incidence of thrombotic complications. No statistical differences were observed in available preoperative coagulation tests between children who developed postoperative thrombosis and those who did not. This observational cohort study found that cyanosis, surgery in neonates, preoperative anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy, and the volume of post-CPB transfusion are important predictors of postoperative thrombotic complications in children undergoing cardiac surgery. Additional studies are required to explore the relationship between hypoxia, coagulopathy, and postoperative thrombosis.

Updates in Red Blood Cell and Platelet Transfusions in Preterm Neonates.

Anemia and thrombocytopenia occur frequently in preterm neonates and the majority of them require at least one blood transfusion during the first few weeks of life. However, there is no international consensus on optimal transfusion management neither for red blood cell nor for platelet transfusions, resulting in large worldwide variations in transfusion practices between neonatal intensive care units. In the past decade, several studies performed in adults, infants as well as neonates showed that restrictive transfusion guidelines are just as safe as liberal guidelines. In fact, some studies even showed that liberal guidelines could be associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality, suggesting that too many transfusions may have a deleterious effect. In a recent randomized trial in preterm neonates with thrombocytopenia, the liberal transfusion group (receiving more platelet transfusions) had a significantly higher rate of death or major bleeding than the restrictive group (receiving less transfusions). In preterm neonates with anemia, the available evidence is also limited and controversial. Two large randomized controlled trials (ETTNO and TOP) are currently assessing the safety and effectiveness of liberal versus restrictive red blood cell transfusions. Results of these large two studies, including the long-term neurodevelopment outcome, are eagerly awaited. Until then, reduction of anemia of prematurity by implementation of effective preventive measures, such as delayed cord clamping and minimization of iatrogenic blood loss, remain of paramount importance.

Platelet transfusions in neonates.

Journal of Paediatrics and Child HealthVolume 55, Issue 6 p. 726-726 Heads Up Platelet transfusions in neonates First published: 02 June 2019 https://doi.org/10.1111/jpc.14452 edited by Craig Mellis (craig.mellis@sydney.edu.au) Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume55, Issue6June 2019Pages 726-726 RelatedInformation

PB1974 PYRUVATE KINASE DEFICIENCY IN FOUR CHILDREN WITH TWO UNPUBLISHED MUTATIONS

Background:Pyruvate kinase is a key enzyme of anaerobic glycolysis which helps keeping the energy level of red blood cells and their viability in circulation. The genetic heterogeneity of pyruvate kinase deficiency (PKD) is high and, to this day, over 250 different mutations have been identified.Aims:We aimed to emphasize the importance of genetic testing in patients with unexplained non‐immune hemolytic anemia.Methods:Four patients who had been followed because of non‐spherocytic hemolytic anemia and in whom no causative enzyme deficiencies were identified were referred for targeted next‐generation sequencing using the Oxford Red Cell Panel, a 50‐gene panel for inherited anemias.Results:We studied four patients (2 females, and 2 males) with evidence of chronic hemolytic anemia aged between 4 years and 24 years. Three of the four patients had jaundice, pallor and hepatosplenomegaly, while one patient had growth retardation and hypotonicity. One patient had gallstones and also undergone splenectomy at the age of two. While homozygous mutation was detected in three of four patients, only one patient had a compound heterozygous mutations (c.602G &gt; A, c.1675C &gt; G). The five identified mutations are single nucleotide gene changes. Two of the five mutations (c.602G &gt; A, and c.172C &gt; T) are previously unpublished.Summary/Conclusion:The clinical presentation of PKD ranges from frequent transfusion in neonates to mild jaundice in adulthood. Total pyruvate kinase in liver and red cell (PKLR) gene sequencing is necessary for the characterization of all patients with PKD and for genetic counselling. We also report two previously unpublished mutations in PKLR.

Hereditary spherocytosis and allied disorders

Hereditary spherocytosis and allied disorders

Vaccine immune response, autoimmunity and morbidity after neonatal blood exchange transfusion

IntroductionA blood exchange transfusion (BET) is most commonly performed to treat severe neonatal haemolytic disease. A distinct form of blood transfusion adverse reaction is transfusion-related immunomodulation. The purpose of our retrospective single-centre case-control cohort study was to investigate whether a blood exchange transfusion in the neonatal period provokes immunomodulation and affects humoral immune response to vaccination, morbidity and occurrence of autoantibodies. MethodsStudy subjects were 74 apparently healthy children, who were born at term as appropriate for gestational age and received four doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoid vaccine. Forty-one received BET due to neonatal hemolytic disease and no other blood product afterwards, while 33 did not receive any blood products. Analysis of diphtheria, tetanus and autoimmune antibodies was performed and their medical records were analyzed for infectious, allergic, cancerous and autoimmune diseases. ResultsA clearly exaggerated immune response to diphtheria (1.016 IU/mL, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.662–1.369 IU/mL vs. 0.515 IU/mL, 95% CI 0.363 to 0.626 IU/mL, P = 0.011) and slightly exaggerated immune response to tetanus vaccine (1.798 IU/mL, 95% CI 1.180–2.416 IU/mL vs. 1.036 IU/mL, 95% CI 0.398–1.673 IU/mL, P = non-specific) were observed in BET subjects. A propensity towards autoimmunity (25.8% vs. 12.5%, P = non-specific) was observed in BET subjects. However, BET in the neonatal period did not influence the occurrence of bacterial, childhood viral diseases with exception of varicella (43.9% vs. 21.2%, P = 0.040), autoimmune and cancer diseases. ConclusionBET impacted humoral immune response to diphtheria and tetanus vaccine and occurrence of autoimmune antibodies, but did not affect morbidity and the occurrence of autoimmune diseases. These effects could be related to massive antigenic load of BET and an accelerated priming of immune cells and consequent immunomodulation.

Relationship research between auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder and exchange transfusion in neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of exchange transfusion on auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) in neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia (SH). MethodsThe clinical data of 2216 SH neonates who met the standard of exchange transfusion and 732 non severe-hyperbilirubinemia (NSH) neonates in the same period who did not require exchange transfusion in the neonatology department of Childrens’ Hospital of Chongqing Medical University between January 2010 and December 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. In addition, the SH neonates were further divided into the exchange transfusion group and photography group. Hearing screening was conducted on all neonates using transiently evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) and auto auditory brainstem response (AABR), and neonates who failed the above screening were performed diagnostic hearing test. And then neonates diagnosed with hearing disorder were followed up for 2–5 years. ResultsThe pass rates of hearing screening were 80.58%, 79.71% and 87.84% in the phototherapy group, exchange transfusion group and NSH group respectively, with a significant difference(P < 0.05). Hearing loss was diagnosed in 10.15%, 12.39% and 8.54% of neonates in the phototherapy group, exchange transfusion group and NSH group. After follow-up, ultimate incidence rates of ANSD were 11.96%, 11.57% and 2.4% respectively in the 3 groups, with a significant difference (P < 0.05). ConclusionsSH is one of risk factors for ANSD. SH neonates have a lower incidence of ANSD in the exchange transfusion group than in the phototherapy group. Neonates who meet the standards of exchange transfusion adopt this therapy in early stage, which can quickly decrease bilirubin level and ultimately reduce incidence of ANSD.

Severe Anemia Is Associated with Intestinal Injury in Preterm Neonates.

A temporal relationship has been reported between necrotizing enterocolitis, anemia, and red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) in preterm neonates. However, the mechanism underlying this association is not clearly defined. Intestinal (I-) and liver (L-) fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) have been proposed as plasma markers for the detection of acute intestinal injury. This study aimed to investigate the effect of anemia and RBCT on intestinal injury in preterm neonates by measuring serum I-FABP and L-FABP levels. A prospective cohort study including preterm neonates with gestational age <32 weeks and/or birth weight <1,500 g and requiring erythrocyte transfusions for anemia after day 15 of life was conducted. Stable growing preterm infants with hemoglobin values ≥ 10 g/dL were taken as controls. I-FABP and L-FABP levels of the neonates with anemia were compared with levels of the control group. In addition, pretransfusion I-FABP and L-FABP levels of the neonates with anemia were compared with posttransfusion levels. In total, 39 infants transfused for anemia and 20 controls were enrolled. L-FABP levels were significantly higher in neonates with anemia compared with controls (p < 0.001), whereas I-FABP (p = 0.695) was not different. L-FABP and I-FABP levels were similar before and after transfusion in neonates with anemia. L-FABP levels before transfusion were negatively correlated with pretransfusion hemoglobin levels (p < 0.001). Anemia is associated with intestinal injury documented by increased L-FABP levels in preterm infants, and this injury is more severe with lower hemoglobin levels.

Blood transfusion in neonates- An audit study

Abstract Introduction: Audit of blood transfusion practices is essential to monitor appropriate use of blood components. Many of the studies related to audit of blood components are based on adult population. There are very few studies addressing the audit of transfusion practices exclusively in pediatric population. Therefore present study was conducted to perform audit of transfusion practices, in order to study the appropriate and inappropriate usage of blood and its different components in neonatal population. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital with an FDA approved blood bank for duration of two year. Total 290 neonates from birth to 28 days and who were admitted to the NICU were chosen and data obtained from cross matching, issuing of blood products to successful transfusion and any problems that might arise including but not limited to transfusion reactions. Results: Out of total patients, 104 patients were transfused and 186 were not transfused. The total number of products issued from the blood bank and transfused was: PC transfused was 142 (including 13 whole blood), platelets 126 and FFP 19. The cross match to transfusion ratio was 2.42 and is within target ratio of ?2.5. The appropriateness of transfusions for PC and platelets was 87.5% and 78.9% respectively, is also a significantly higher number which is an indicator of optimum transfusion practice by NICU. Individual laboratory investigations had a statistically significant rise post transfusion. There was only one transfusion reaction reported which was minor allergic, non-hemolytic and non-febrile. Conclusions: Both blood bank and NICU are utilizing the available resources for adequate and timely treatment of patients which leads to demonstrable betterment in the clinical outcome and are following the national and the international guidelines for transfusion. Keywords: Audit, Transfusion, Blood, Neonates, Platelets, Cross match to transfusio

Neonatal Outcomes Associated with Umbilical Cord Milking in Preterm Multiple Gestations.

Our aim was to evaluate the effect of umbilical cord milking on outcomes for preterm multiples. We implemented a policy of cord milking in neonates born at less than 30 weeks' gestation in September 2011. We compared cord milking in multiples with a historical cohort. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated the effect of cord milking on a composite neonatal adverse outcome. Secondary outcomes were hematocrit at birth, need for blood transfusion, and inotrope use. We identified 149 neonates (120 twins, 29 triplets), 51 historical controls, and 98 neonates with cord milking. Cord milking was associated with a lower rate of adverse composite neonatal outcome in univariable analysis (odds ratio [OR]: 0.36; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.15-0.84). However, in multivariable modeling, the effect was not significant (adjusted OR [aOR]: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.23-1.28). Hematocrit was 4.6 unit % (95% CI: 2-7.3) higher in the cord milking group, and cord milking was associated with a lower rate of blood transfusion (aOR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.1-0.74; p = 0.01). There was no difference in inotrope administration. Umbilical cord milking was not associated with a decrease in composite neonatal adverse outcome. However, we observed an increase in hematocrit and decreased need for blood transfusion in neonates with cord milking.

Dynamic prediction of bleeding risk in thrombocytopenic preterm neonates.

Over 75% of severely thrombocytopenic neonates receive platelet transfusions, though little evidence supports this practice, and only 10% develop major bleeding. In a recent randomized trial, giving platelet transfusions at a threshold platelet count of 50x109/L compared to a threshold of 25x109/L was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding or mortality. This finding highlights the need for improved and individualized guidelines on neonatal platelet transfusion, which require accurate prediction of bleeding risk. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a dynamic prediction model for major bleeding in thrombocytopenic preterm neonates. This model allows for calculation of bleeding risk at any time-point during the first week after the onset of severe thrombocytopenia. In this multicenter cohort study, we included neonates with a gestational age <34 weeks, admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit, who developed severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50x109/L). The study endpoint was major bleeding. We obtained predictions of bleeding risk using a proportional baselines landmark supermodel. Of 640 included neonates, 71 (11%) had a major bleed. We included the variables gestational age, postnatal age, intrauterine growth retardation, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, platelet count and mechanical ventilation in the model. The median cross-validated c-index was 0.74 (interquartile range, 0.69-0.82). This is a promising dynamic prediction model for bleeding in this population that should be explored further in clinical studies as a potential instrument for supporting clinical decisions. The study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03110887).

Turkish Neonatal Society guideline on the transfusion principles in newborns.

Blood transfusion can be defined as a life-saving procedure in neonates, especially in premature and surgical infants. The indications, threshold hemoglobin, and platelet levels for red cell, platelet, and plasma transfusions in neonates vary among centers and the evidence-based data for possible adverse effects, preterm morbidities, mortality, and neuro-developmental problems associated with transfusions are not clear yet. Herein, we aim to present the transfusion guideline designed to be used in neonatal intensive care units in our country, summarizing clinical findings and threshold levels for red cell, platelet, and plasma transfusions in addition to important practical points of transfusions according to a literature review.

Delayed clamping vs milking of umbilical cord in preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial

It has been established that delayed umbilical cord clamping in preterm infants results in improvement in neonatal anemia, need for transfusion, incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, and intraventricular hemorrhage by increasing neonatal circulating blood volume. However, the effects of umbilical cord milking as an alternative to delayed clamping in preterm infants are unclear. The primary objective of this study was to compare the effect of delayed clamping vs milking of the umbilical cord on the initial hematocrit concentration in preterm births (23-34 weeks gestation). In addition, we sought to compare the effects of delayed clamping vs milking on the incidences of intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, and need for transfusion (secondary objectives). The study was an unblinded randomized controlled trial of singleton preterm infants who were born 23 weeks 0 days to 34 weeks 6 days gestation and were assigned to 1 of 2 controlled study groups: delayed cord clamping for 60 seconds or milking of the cord towards the infant 4 times before clamping. Randomization occurred via block randomization with an allocation ratio of 1 to 1. The patients' third stage of delivery was standardized for route of delivery and randomization arm. All comparisons were preformed with an intent-to-treat analysis approach. The study was powered at 80% with a probability value of .05 for the primary outcome measure of a hematocrit difference of 3% between the 2 groups. Of the 204 randomized patients, 104 were assigned to the delayed subgroup, and 100 were assigned to the milking subgroup. There were no significant differences in baseline maternal characteristics noted between groups. Though there was not any statistically significant difference in neonatal outcomes between the cord clamping and milking groups, the occurrences of transfusion (15.5% vs 9.1%; P=.24), necrotizing enterocolitis (5.8% vs 3.0%; P=.49), and intraventricular hemorrhage (15.5% vs 10.1%; P=.35) were all lower in the milking group. The milking group had higher initial hematocrit concentration compared with the delayed clamping group, although this was not significant (51.8 [6.2%] vs 49.9 [7.7%]; P=.07]. Peak bilirubin levels and need for phototherapy were similar between groups. This study demonstrates that milking the umbilical cord may be an acceptable alternative to delayed cord clamping because there were similar effects on neonatal hematocrit concentrations and the need for neonatal transfusions and no increased risk for complications or neonatal morbidity. The present data support the concept that milking of the umbilical cord may offer an efficient and timely method of providing increased blood volume to the infant.