Anemia of prematurity, a common problem seen
in almost all preterm neonates younger than 33
weeks of gestation, often requires transfusion of donor
red blood cells. The placenta is a reservoir of fetal blood,
which could be equally useful to the neonate. Consequently,
the timing of the clamping of the cord has been
the subject of much debate. Recent reviews1,2 of the data
from 10 randomized trials involving a total of 454
preterm neonates found that a delay of cord clamping
time of at least 30 seconds stabilizes the circulatory system
of neonates during the first day of life, leading to less
requirement for volume therapy, transfusion, and inotropic
support, reduced the need for donor red cell transfusions,
decreased the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage,
and improved neurodevelopmental outcome.