Background and aims The aim of our study is to compare the postnatal cerebral tissue oxygenation values in babies with early versus late cord clamping born after elective C/S.

Methods In this prospective, observational study, we included term newborns delivered by elective C/S. Babies were segregated into two groups as early (within 15 seconds) and late cord clamping (at 60th seconds). Peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate were measured using pulse oximetry (Nellcor N200) and regional oxygen saturation of the brain (rSO2 brain) were measured (Invos 5100) between the 3rd and15th minutes and recorded every minute. Fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE) was calculated for each minute (FTOE=pulse oximetry value-rSO2/pulse oximetry value). The measurements were compared for both groups.

Results The demographical characteristics, SpO2 levels, heart rates and umbilical cord blood gas values were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). Cerebral oxygenation measurements and FTOE values were significantly higher for each minute in the late cord clamping group (p < 0.05). Bilirubin and hematocrit levels were also statistically higher in this group (p < 0.05) without the need for phototherapy. The increase in rSO2 was faster and the rSO2 plateau was reached earlier in the late cord clamping group (Figure).

Conclusions In our study we found that rSO2 brain measurements and FTOE values were higher in the late cord clamping group without the need for any therapy as a result of high bilirubin and hematocrit levels.