Early cord clamping protects at-risk neonates from polycythemia

Neonatal polycythemia is a potentially lethal, multiorgan disease. We have performed a prospective, open-label study to test the hypothesis that an early cord clamping proximally to the neonate's abdomen could avert from the neonatal circulation a blood volume critical to the occurrence of polycythemia in at-risk neonates. Newborns were divided into group 1 (clamping time within 10 s) and group 2 (clamping time 11-120 s). Group 1 had statistically significant more blood volume sequestered in the cord and less manifestations of polycythemia. Conclusion: An early cord clamping is an effective and zero-cost way to prevent polycythemia in at-risk neonates. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.