Umbilical cord milking in term infants delivered by cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
8-1-2012
Abstract
Objective:The study's objective was to compare hematocrit (Hct) levels at 36 to 48 h of age in term infants delivered by cesarean section exposed to immediate cord clamping or umbilical cord milking (UCM).Study Design:In this randomized controlled trial, 24 women scheduled for elective cesarean section were randomized to either immediate clamping (<10 s) or UCM (milked × 5 by the obstetrical provider) at birth.Result:All subjects received their allocated intervention. The milking group had a smaller placental residual blood volume (13.2±5.6 vs 19.2±5.4 ml kg-1, P=0.01) and higher Hct levels at 36 to 48 h (57.5±6.6 vs 50.0±6.4 %, P=0.01). Five infants (42%) in the immediate group had a Hct of ≤47%, indicative of anemia.Conclusion:UCM results in placental transfusion in term infants at the time of elective cesarean section with higher Hct levels at 36 to 48 h of age. © 2012 Nature America, Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Journal of Perinatology
Volume
32
Issue
8
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Erickson-Owens, D. A., J. S. Mercer, and W. Oh. "Umbilical cord milking in term infants delivered by cesarean section: A randomized controlled trial." Journal of Perinatology 32, 8 (2012). doi: 10.1038/jp.2011.159.