Effect of Breathing Support in Very Preterm Infants Not Breathing During Deferred Cord Clamping: A Randomized Controlled Trial (The ABC Study).

Objective: To determine if providing respiratory support to very preterm infants who fail to breathe regularly during deferred cord clamping (DCC) decreased red cell transfusion.

Study Design: Infants less than 31 weeks of gestation undergoing DCC who were apneic or not breathing regularly at 15 seconds underwent stratified randomization. Pale, limp, and nonresponsive infants were excluded. The standard group received gentle stimulation in a neutral position for 50 seconds; the intervention group received intermittent positive pressure ventilation via face mask and T piece from 20 to 50 seconds of age with a fractional inspired oxygen of 0.3. The primary outcome was the proportion transfused, with a secondary composite outcome of death, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, or chronic lung disease.

Results: Of 311 assessed infants, 113 met the inclusion criteria and were studied; 57 received the intervention and 56 standard treatment. Patient characteristics were similar. Overall, 105 infants (93%) received the intended 50 seconds DCC (54 in the intervention group and 51 in the standard group). Rates of transfusion were similar (28% vs 30% in the intervention vs control groups), as were rates of the composite outcome (46% vs 38% in the intervention vs the control arms; P = .45).

Conclusions: Providing breathing support during 50 seconds of DCC in this single-center cohort seemed to be safe and feasible, but did not decrease the transfusion rates or improve outcomes.

Trial Registration: http://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12615001026516.aspx.