The Parenting Buzz : Canadian Study studies Studies

Researchers at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario have determined that a two minute delay in clamping the umbilical cord at birth can raise iron levels in newborns, decreasing the risk of anemia. Late clamping, according to the study, improves the blood count and iron stores in newborns for up to six months, which would give preterm babies in particular a much needed boost. Common practice at the moment is to cut the umbilical cord almost immediately, so as to avoid the risk of the baby developing jaundice or polycythemia, a condition where too many red blood cells cause circulatory problems.

Experts in the field are cautiously optimistic, since no actual clinical trials were conducted by the McMaster researchers. The study itself was based on an analysis of previous studies which looked at the benefits and risks of late clamping – a study of Studies, if you will.

The general consensus is that a more robust study to determine the harms and benefits from either early or late clamping is needed before a universal change in practice could be instituted. The bottom line: another Study to study the Study that studied Studies.

Those Canucks, gotta love ‘em, eh?

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Published:
23.03.07 / 12am
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