The Hematologic Impact of Umbilical Cord Milking Versus Deferred Cord Clamping in Premature Neonates. A Randomized Controlled Trial

Placental transfusion either by deferred cord clamping or umbilical cord milking became standard care and recommended management especially in preterm deliveries.1 In average, about 80 ml of blood was found to be transferred to the neoborn by one minute after birth.2 This additional blood can afford extra iron and blood volume giving the benefit of less iron deficiency anemia during the first year of life, less need for blood transfusion, less need for vasopressors and less intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) by 50%.3 Placental transfusion with different techniques proved safety with no significant risks regarding postpartum hemorrhage, polycythemia, jaundice, Apgar score or admission rates.4 Our study aims to compare delayed cord clamping with umbilical cord milking as the best way for placental transfusion for preterm neonates.