Data from: Longer duration of deferred cord clamping improves preterm survival without major morbidities

Background:  Longer duration of deferred cord clamping (DCC) at
least 120 seconds is associated with the highest reduction in mortality
compared to shorter durations of DCC or immediate cord clamping in preterm
infants.  We compared the neonatal outcomes of very preterm
infants who received at least 60 seconds to those who received at least
120 seconds of DCC.  Methods:  This is a retrospective
single-center study including preterm infants born <33 weeks of
gestational age (GA) between 2014 and 2019.  The intended
duration of DCC was 60 seconds in Period 1 (January 2014 to June 2016,
n=139) and 120 to 180 seconds in Period 2 (July 2016 to December 2019,
n=155).  We compared the demographics, delivery room measures,
and neonatal outcomes between the two periods as intent to treat analysis
and per protocol analysis.   Results:  The
intended duration of DCC was completed in 75% of infants in Period 1
(n=106) and 76% of infants in Period 2 (n-114). There was an increase in
survival without major morbidities in the infants that received at least
120 seconds of DCC which remained significant after adjusting for GA and
erythropoietin use (Odds ratio 8.6, 95% CI 1.6 to 45.7). 
Conclusion: Longer duration of DCC is associated with improved survival
without major morbidities in preterm infants <33 weeks GA.