New clamping method could save preterm brains

NCT ID NCT03808051

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Leiden University Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested a new way of clamping the umbilical cord in very preterm babies (born before 30 weeks). Instead of clamping after a fixed time, doctors waited until the baby was stable—heart rate above 100 and oxygen levels normal. The goal was to see if this approach helps more babies survive without brain injury or severe gut problems. Over 680 infants took part across multiple hospitals.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Physiological-based cord clamping (PBCC) – a procedure where the umbilical cord is clamped only after the infant is stable, rather than after a fixed time.
What this could lead to: If it works, this could become a new standard of care for very preterm births, reducing brain injury and death.
What could go wrong: The trial is completed but results are not yet widely confirmed. The procedure may be harder to perform in emergencies, and benefits may not apply to all preterm infants.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Premature Birth

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BIRTH, PRETERM PRETERM INFANT

Contacts and locations

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Locations

Amsterdam University Medical Centre, location AMC

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam University Medical Centre, location VU

Amsterdam, Netherlands
Erasmus Medical Centre - Sophia Children's Hospital

Rotterdam, Netherlands
Isala Clinics Zwolle

Zwolle, Netherlands
Leiden University Medical Centre

Leiden, Netherlands
Maastricht University Medical Centre

Maastricht, Netherlands
Maxima Medical Centre

Veldhoven, Netherlands
Radboud University Medical Centre

Nijmegen, Netherlands
University Medical Centre Groningen

Groningen, Netherlands
University Medical Centre Utrecht

Utrecht, Netherlands

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