Association between oxidative stress and cord serum lipids in relation to delayed cord clamping in term neonates

Abstract

Abstract Background Although delayed cord clamping (DCC) is a recent WHO recommendation, early cord clamping (ECC) is still a routine practice in many countries. Limited researches studied the effect of delayed cord clamping on oxidative stress in term neonates; In this study we aim to assess the influence of cord clamping either early or late on oxidative stress in term neonates and to evaluate the association of oxidative stress and cord blood lipids. Methods One-hundred mothers and their term neonates were included in the present study. Umbilical cord blood samples were collected from the umbilical vein and umbilical artery immediately following labor. Results Total cholesterol, total triglycerides and phospholipids levels were significantly higher in the ECC group than the DCC group (p < 0.001 in all). Plasma total antioxidant status was higher in the DCC group than the ECC group (p < 0.001). While, plasma hydroperoxides were lower in the DCC group than the ECC group (p < 0.001). Levels of erythrocytes catalase cytosol, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly higher in the DCC group than the ECC group (p < 0.001). Conclusion DCC was associated with a decrease in cord blood lipids and an augmented antioxidant activity. This suggests the protective effect of DCC on the future health of the term neonates and supports the application of DCC in active management of 3rd stage of labor in term neonates.

Keywords

• Delayed cord clamping
• Oxidative stress
• Cord lipids
• Term neonates