title: Timing of umbilical cord clamping: new thoughts on an old discussion.
abstract: The optimal time to clamp the umbilical cord in preterm and full-term neonates after birth continues to be a matter of debate. A review of randomised controlled trials comparing the effects of early versus late cord clamping on maternal and infant outcomes was performed to assess data in favor of immediate or delayed clamping. Although there is no conclusive evidence, delayed cord clamping seems to be beneficial in preterm and full-term neonates without compromising the initial postpartum adaptation phase or affecting the mother in the short term. However, further randomised clinical studies are needed to confirm the benefits of delayed cord clamping.
authors.affiliation: Service of Neonatology, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain. gemmarca@yahoo.es
authors.forename: Gemma
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Arca
authors.forename: Francesc
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Botet
authors.forename: Montse
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Palacio
authors.forename: Xavier
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Carbonell-Estrany
mesh_terms: D003250:Constriction; D034462:Dissent and Disputes; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D011247:Pregnancy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D047929:Term Birth; D013997:Time Factors; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000601:surgery*