[Early vs delayed clamping of the umbilical cord in full term, preterm and very preterm infants].

Randomized studies from 2006 and two meta-analyses published in 2007 agree that clamping of the umbilical cord can be delayed. For the preterm and very preterm infant benefits include less need for blood transfusion and less morbidity, especially for the very preterm male infant. For the term infant benefits include improved hematologic status measured as hematocrit and iron status and less risk of anaemia during the first months of life. No harmful effects were seen, even though significant polycythaemia could be demonstrated.