Effect of Delayed Cord Clamping on Neonatal Outcomes Among Preterm Babies in NICU at Apollo Women’s Hospital, Chennai

Latha Asha Rani; Divya Belagodu Raju; Sunita Samal -

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.66119

Effect of Delayed Cord Clamping on Neonatal Outcomes Among Preterm Babies in NICU at Apollo Women’s Hospital, Chennai

Author(s)	Ms. Latha Asha Rani, Ms. Divya Belagodu Raju, Dr. Sunita Samal -
Country	India
Abstract	Background: Delayed cord clamping (DCC) is an evidence based intervention shown to improve hematological and clinical outcomes in preterm infants; however, its routine implementation in settings where neonatal stabilization is required remains variable. Aim: To assess the effect of delayed cord clamping on selected neonatal outcomes among preterm infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods: A quasi experimental study was conducted in the NICU of a tertiary care women’s hospital in Chennai, India. Sixty preterm infants (<37 weeks’ gestation) were enrolled using non probability sampling and allocated into two groups: DCC performed (n=30) and DCC not performed (n=30). Delayed cord clamping was defined as clamping of the umbilical cord at ≥60 seconds after birth. Neonatal outcomes assessed included hemoglobin level at birth and at one week, hematocrit value, need for blood transfusion, APGAR scores, requirement of phototherapy, and length of hospital stay. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 28.0. Results: Mean hemoglobin levels were significantly higher in the DCC group both at birth (16.6±2.6 g/dL vs 11.6±3.3 g/dL; p<0.001) and at one week of life (15.1±2.3 g/dL vs 12.3±1.5 g/dL; p<0.001). Infants in the DCC group required significantly fewer blood transfusions (p<0.001) and had a shorter duration of hospital stay (p=0.001). There was no significant difference between groups in APGAR scores or hematocrit values. Delayed cord clamping was not associated with an increased incidence of adverse outcomes. Conclusion: Delayed cord clamping for at least 60 seconds in preterm infants significantly improves hemoglobin levels and reduces the need for blood transfusions and length of hospital stay, without increasing adverse outcomes. Routine implementation of DCC in NICU practice may enhance neonatal outcomes and support evidence based neonatal care.
Keywords	Keywords: delayed cord clamping; preterm infants; neonatal outcomes; hemoglobin; neonatal intensive care unit
Field	Medical / Pharmacy
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 1, January-February 2026
Published On	2026-01-12
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.66119

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Effect of Delayed Cord Clamping on Neonatal Outcomes Among Preterm Babies in NICU at Apollo Women’s Hospital, Chennai

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