Early Versus Delayed Cord Clamping Effects on Iron Stores

Synopsis Infants small for gestational age (SGA) have low iron stores at birth and are at a risk of developing iron deficiency later. Delayed cord clamping provides 25-35 ml of blood per kg in term infants and reduces the risk of iron deficiency. The present study compares the effect of the two cord clamping techniques on iron stores at 3 months of age. This week’s “ MED FACT ” discusses a clinical trial from BMC Pediatrics, “ Early versus delayed cord clamping in small for gestational age infants and iron stores at 3 months of age – a randomized controlled trial ”. Authors: A. Chopra, A.

Thakur, P. Garg, N. Kler, K. Gujral. Key Takeaways: Delayed Cord Clamping improves iron stores in infants ≥35 weeks without increasing risk of polycythemia and associated morbidities. Objective: The objective is to compare the effect of early versus delayed cord clamping on neonatal outcomes and…