DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2018.v06i02.007

Pages: 493-499

We aimed to compare the effect of Umbilical Cord Milking (UCM) and Early Cord Clamping (ECC) on haematocrit levels at 6weeks in very preterm neonates (28+1weeks-31+6weeks). Ours was a prospective comparative study comparing the haematological parameters and serum bilirubin values in early cord clamping (ECC) and Umbilical cord milking (UCM) and included 102 very preterm neonates over a period of 18months. Of the 102 very preterm neonates included in the study, 51 each were studied in early cord clamping and Umbilical Cord Milking (UCM). 30(29.4%) and 72(70.6%) neonates were in 28-29+6weeks and 30-31+6weeks respectively. 13.6% in ECC and 25.5% in UCM had risk factor of maternal anemia. In all 7 neonates with antepartum haemorrhage, ECC was the intervention done. Mothers with risk factor of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were noted in 25.4% in ECC and 31.3% in UCM. Maternal infection was noted in 13.7% of the neonates in each group. 14.7% and 73.5% of very preterm neonates received one dose and two doses of antenatal steroid therapy respectively. Umbilical cord milking was done in 58.8% neonates delivered by normal vaginal delivery. ECC was the major intervention done in neonates with perinatal asphyxia. In neonates who required CPAP and mechanical ventilation, UCM was done in 38.2% and 2.4% neonates respectively. 27 neonates had Apgar score 1-4 and in 25 neonates early cord clamping was done. Male to Female ratio in UCM and ECC was 0.75:1 and 1.3:1. Mean haemoglobin and haematocrit at day 3 was high in neonates with UCM compared to ECC (16.57±2.34 vs. 15.71±2.17) and (50.34±7.07 vs. 46.21±6.55). Serum bilirubin levels were higher in UCM requiring phototherapy. Requirement of packed red cell transfusion (PRBC) in UCM was less compared to ECC (11.8% vs. 29.4%). Haemoglobin and haematocrit levels at 6 weeks were also high in UCM (12.16±1.85 vs. 10.47±1.71) and (36.71±6.1 vs. 31.57±5.10). Incidence of sepsis was less in UCM (13.7% vs. 19.6%). Haematocrit and haemog