Placental Transfusion in Preterm Neonates

Excerpt

Preterm neonates are at higher risk of various short-tem and long-term morbidities. Transition from fetal to postnatal period, is the one of the most critical period in preterm neonates, majority of who need support to make a successful transition. Placental transfusion is one intervention, which has been proposed to have both short- and long-term benefits. A systematic review including fifteen studies (738 neonates) showed that in preterm neonates, placental transfusion was associated with better hemodynamic stability at birth, decreased need of inotropic support, lower need of blood transfusions and lower risks of intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis [1] However, a recently published large randomized controlled trial failed to show any short-term benefit with placental transfusion in extremely preterm neonates [2]. Despite lack of decrease in short-term morbidities or death before hospital discharge, delaying cord clamping or milking of cord before clamping leads to transfer of more blood to infant, carrying with it extra iron, growth factors and stem cells. …