Effect of timing of cord clamping on the iron status of infants at 3 months.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of timing of cord clamping on iron stores of term infants at 3 months of age.


METHODS
Prospective randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
Tertiary hospital.


METHODS
107 term neonates born to mothers with uncomplicated pregnancies and with hemoglobin more than 10 g/dl.


METHODS
The 107 infants were randomized to either early (n = 48) or late (n = 59) clamping groups at the time of delivery. Outcome measures evaluated were serum ferritin and hemoglobin in the infant at 3 months age.


RESULTS
The groups were comparable for maternal age, parity, weight, supplemental iron intake in pregnancy, infant's birth weight, gestation and sex. Maternal and cord ferritin and hemoglobin values at birth were comparable. The infant ferritin at 3 months were also similar.


CONCLUSIONS
Iron stores at 3 months in term infants are not influenced by timing of cord clamping at birth.
Geethanath
R M
RM
Department of Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi.
Ramji
S
S
Thirupuram
S
S
Rao
Y N
YN
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D018798:Anemia, Iron-Deficiency / Q000517:prevention & control*; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014470:Umbilical Cord