Circulating RBC volume, measured with biotinylated RBCs, is superior to the Hct to document the hematologic effects of delayed versus immediate umbilical cord clamping in preterm neonates

Abstract

Because true hematologic effects of delayed versus immediate cord clamping may not be apparent or may be misinterpreted, when based on indirect measurements of Hct or calculations of circulating RBC volume, it is important to measure circulating RBC volume directly-as done with autologous, biotinylated RBCs-to document whether delayed cord clamping truly results in a transfer of significant quantities of RBCs from placenta to neonate. The clinical benefits and potential toxicities of increased RBC transfer to neonates require further studies.