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Am J Perinatol 2017; 34(07): 722-728
DOI: 10.1055/s-0036-1597995
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Placental Transfusion Strategies in Italy: A Nationwide Survey of Tertiary-Care Delivery Wards

Barbara Perrone
1   Division of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “G. Salesi” Children's Hospital, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
,
Stefano Ghirardello
2   Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
,
for the “Italian Survey on Placental Transfusion Group” › Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

24 August 2016

09 December 2016

Publication Date:
06 January 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Objective Delayed umbilical cord clamping and cord milking are placental transfusion strategies that produce higher iron stores and better hemodynamic conditions in a newborn. We aimed to evaluate their current practice in tertiary-care delivery wards in Italy.

Study Design A multiple-choice questionnaire was e-mailed to all the 101 Italian tertiary-care delivery wards. The comparative analysis between categorical variables was performed by the χ2 test.

Result We obtained an 85% (86/101) response rate. Where placental transfusion strategies were applied, in 61% of cases they were performed in less than half of deliveries. Obstetric–neonatal guidelines were available in 21% of the centers. Where they were available, application of delayed clamping and milking was significantly more frequent and clamping time was longer.

Conclusion This first Italian nationwide survey on placental transfusion strategies showed low application rate and variability in knowledge and execution. Availability of obstetric–neonatal guidelines, knowledge of benefits, and cooperation within the delivery team were associated with enhanced implementation.

Keywords

delayed umbilical cord clamping - cord milking - nationwide survey - Italian tertiary-care delivery wards

Note

Barbara Perrone conceptualized and designed the study, performed the analysis and interpretation of data, drafted the initial manuscript, and revised and approved the final manuscript as submitted. Stefano Ghirardello conceptualized and designed the study, performed the analysis and interpretation of data, reviewed and revised the manuscript, and approved the final manuscript as submitted. Both the authors approved the final manuscript as submitted and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.


 

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