Duration of cord clamping and physiological jaundice in newborn: A case–control study

Abstract

Introduction: Delayed cord clamping (DCC) in term newborns improves iron stores in infancy, and the most international guidelines now recommend at least 30–60 s of DCC in term and preterm newborns. Objective: The objective of this study was to find out the association between neonatal jaundice (physiological) and duration of cord clamping. Methods: An observational matched case–control study was conducted from June 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018, in the neonatal unit of a tertiary care hospital in Odisha after getting approval from the institutional ethics committee. Of 3367 neonates, 784 were included in the study (392:392)
after satisfying the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. All the relevant data were collected and validated, and the results were analyzed. Fisher exact test was performed to find out the association. For all statistical purpose, p<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: A significant association was found between neonatal jaundice and DCC as evidenced by Chi-square value: 15.62; p=0.0001, relative risk (95% confidence interval [CI]): 1.68 (1.29, 2.18), absolute risk reduction: ?0.12 (?0.18, ?0.06), and number need to treat (95% CI): ?8 (?6, ?17). Conclusion: Neonatal jaundice appears to be more commonly
associated among babies with DCC.