Ventilation of Preterm Infants during Delayed Cord Clamping (VentFirst): A Pilot Study of Feasibility and Safety.
BackgroundEstablishing lung inflation prior to umbilical cord clamping may improve the cardiovascular transition and reduce the risk of intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants. We developed a pilot feasibility and safety study in which infants < 33 weeks' gestation received assisted ventilation during delayed cord clamping (DCC).MethodsInfants born between 24 0/7 and 32 6/7 weeks' gestation whose mothers consented were enrolled. All infants received continuous positive airway pressure or positive pressure ventilation during 90 seconds of DCC. Outcomes included feasibility (ability to complete protocol and maintain a sterile field during cesarean deliveries) and safety variables (Apgar scores, umbilical cord pH and base deficit, admission temperature, and postcesarean infection).ResultsA total of 29 infants were enrolled, including one set of twins (median gestation: 30 weeks; 72% cesarean births). In all cases, the protocol was completed. Heart rate at 60 seconds was more than 100 beats per minute in all infants. Apgar scores, cord blood gas values, and admission temperature were comparable to other preterm deliveries at our institution.ConclusionAssisting ventilation of very preterm infants during 90 seconds of DCC is challenging but feasible and appears to be safe in this small pilot study. A randomized clinical trial is warranted to determine clinical benefit.
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
Jameel
J
Winter
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
John
J
Kattwinkel
Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
Christian
C
Chisholm
Department of Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
Amy
A
Blackman
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
Sarah
S
Wilson
Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia.
Karen
K
Fairchild
D001034:Apgar Score; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D001831:Body Temperature; D002585:Cesarean Section / Q000009:adverse effects; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003250:Constriction; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D003696:Delivery Rooms / Q000458:organization & administration; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005312:Fetal Blood / Q000737:chemistry*; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D062071:Infant, Extremely Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014470:Umbilical Cord