Delayed Versus Early Umbilical Cord Clamping for Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018;218(1):1–18)Delayed umbilical cord clamping may benefit preterm infants by increasing the volume of blood transferred to the neonate as well as allowing time for physiological transition, which may result in improved outcomes. The effects of delayed cord clamping are still unclear and an updated systematic review was needed. This systematic review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) though July 31, 2017 in order to evaluate the effects of delayed clamping without cord milking compared to early clamping in reducing mortality in preterm infants.