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Am J Perinatol 2019; 36(03): 233-242
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1669908
SMFM Fellowship Series Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Implementation and Outcomes of Universal Delayed Umbilical Cord Clamping at Term

Janine S. Rhoades
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
,
Victoria G. Wesevich
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
,
Methodius G. Tuuli
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
,
George A. Macones
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
,
Alison G. Cahill
1   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

16 May 2018

25 July 2018

Publication Date:
12 September 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Objective To evaluate the implementation of an institutional protocol for universal delayed umbilical cord clamping (DCC) at term on maternal, neonatal, and umbilical cord blood gas outcomes.

Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of singleton term gestations from April through July 2017. On June 1, 2017, a protocol was implemented for DCC in all deliveries. Outcomes were compared between patients delivered prior to and those delivered after implementation. The primary outcome was postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Secondary outcomes were additional adverse maternal, neonatal, and umbilical cord blood gas outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression was used to adjust for potential confounders.

Results Of 682 patients, 341 were delivered preprotocol and 341 were delivered postprotocol. After implementation, there was 91.8% adherence to the protocol. Overall, there was no significant difference in PPH between patients delivered preprotocol and those delivered postprotocol (8.2 vs. 13.2%; adjusted relative risk [aRR]: 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98–1.51). There was a significant decrease in the ability to obtain paired arterial and venous umbilical cord blood gases from preprotocol to postprotocol (83 vs. 63.6%; aRR: 0.62 [95% CI: 0.50–0.76]). There were no significant differences in abnormal umbilical cord blood gases or neonatal outcomes.

Conclusion We did not find an increased risk of adverse outcomes associated with the widespread use of DCC.

Keywords

delayed cord clamping - delayed umbilical cord clamping - placental transfusion - postpartum hemorrhage - umbilical cord blood gas
 

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