WIP 45 - Exploring the Impact of Delayed Cord Clamping on Hemodynamic Outcomes in Neonates

Poster Number: WIP 45
Publication Number: WIP 45.2559

Background: As delayed cord clamping is becoming a routine practice procedure, it is important to understand the effects that it has on clinical outcomes of the neonate. Many studies have supported evidence that performing delayed umbilical cord clamping on preterm infants has many benefits; including significant reduction in the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage, improvement in hemodynamic stability, reduction of mortality, decreased necrotizing enterocolitis and late onset sepsis, and increased hematocrit levels in preterm infants; however, mechanisms are not well understood.
Additionally, Red blood cell transfusions are common in premature infants. While this intervention can be vital for the survival of preterm infants, it has been linked to increased risks of complications such as necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and retinopathy of prematurity. If it is found that delayed cord clamping reduces the necessity for red blood cell transfusions, the morbidity and mortality of infants would significantly decrease as well.

Objective: The primary aim of this study is to analyze how the practice of delayed umbilical cord clamping in neonates impacts their hemodynamics, specifically by assessing the requirement for blood transfusions.

Design/Methods: IRB exemption in progress. Design of the study will require a 2-group retrospective chart review investigation in which infants who received delayed cord clamping are compared with demographically similar historical group of infants who did not receive delayed cord clamping. Documentation of neonatal gestational age, birth weight, timing of umbilical cord clamping will be required, in addition to documentation of neonates requiring blood transfusions. A comparative analysis will be done regarding the frequency of blood transfusions between the delayed clamping and immediate clamping groups. All data will be analyzed, interpreted, and compiled into a comprehensive report and poster by April 2024.