Umbilical cord milking at birth for term newborns with acidosis: Neonatal outcomes
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
3-1-2018
Abstract
Objective: To determine if umbilical cord milking is detrimental in compromised term/near-term infants. Study Design: A retrospective analysis of infants with abnormal cord gases (cord arterial or venous pH of ≤ 7.1 or base deficit > -12). We collected maternal risk factors, cord management, birth, and neonatal outcomes during hospitalization. Result: We found 157 infants who met the criteria for abnormal cord gases. Thirty-six of those had umbilical cord milking at delivery. There was no significant difference in neonatal outcomes, but fewer infants in the cord milking group needed resuscitation (38 vs. 56%, p = 0.07) and ongoing respiratory support (19 vs. 31%, p = 0.16) compared to the immediate clamping group. Conclusions: While not significant, infants who received cord milking at birth needed less resuscitation and ongoing respiratory support. This study suggests that umbilical cord milking appears to be a safe therapy when acidosis is present and when resuscitation is needed.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Journal of Perinatology
Volume
38
Issue
3
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Katheria, Anup, Judith Mercer, Melissa Brown, Wade Rich, Katie Baker, Mj Harbert, Brianna Pierce, Kasim Hassen, and Neil Finer. "Umbilical cord milking at birth for term newborns with acidosis: Neonatal outcomes." Journal of Perinatology 38, 3 (2018). doi: 10.1038/s41372-017-0011-9.