Umbilical Cord Clamping Methods and Stem Cell Counts in Preterm Infants

This prospective randomized study was conducted to investigate the impact of different umbilical cord clamping methods on peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell counts in preterm newborns.

Eligible preterm infants were randomly allocated to one of the predefined umbilical cord clamping strategies according to the study protocol. All procedures were performed as part of standard obstetric and neonatal care, and no experimental intervention outside routine clinical practice was applied.

Peripheral blood samples were obtained following delivery, and hematopoietic stem cell concentrations were analyzed using standard laboratory methods. The primary outcome was the comparison of stem cell counts between the different cord clamping groups.

The study was initiated and completed in 2015, prior to mandatory prospective clinical trial registration requirements. Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant institutional ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from parents or legal guardians before participation.

Inclusion criteria

• Preterm neonates born between 28+0 and 36+6 weeks of gestation.
• Infants born at a single tertiary referral center.
• Written informed consent obtained from parents prior to delivery.

Exclusion criteria

• Major fetal congenital anomalies.
• Perinatal asphyxia.
• Requirement for advanced neonatal resuscitation at birth.
• Undetermined gestational age.
• Gestational age less than 28 weeks.