Circumcision bleeding complications: neonatal intensive care infants compared to those in the normal newborn nursery

Abstract

Purpose: To determine if a significant difference exists in the bleeding complications following circumcision in neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) versus the normal newborn nursery (NNN).

Materials and methods: Observational cohort study of 260 infants undergoing circumcision with Gomco clamp. Vitamin K was given to neonates at delivery. Demographic data, procedural characteristics, bleeding complications, and interventions were recorded. The bleeding rates of the two groups were compared using chi square.

Results: NICU neonates experienced increased bleeding complications versus NNN neonates (22% vs. 9.6%, p = .029). No differences were found regarding gestational age at delivery, age at circumcision, and birth weight. Neonates with circumcision performed at ≥5 days of life experienced increased rates of bleeding complications versus those performed at ≤4 days (28% vs. 10.3%, p = .023). All neonates with circumcision performed ≥5 days of life were initially admitted to the NICU.

Conclusion: NICU neonates had increased rate of bleeding complications following circumcision when compared to the NNN neonates. There was an increased rate of bleeding complications in neonates who undergo circumcision at ≥5 days of life. Further research may help to determine if redosing of vitamin K or variations in the circumcision procedure are necessary for circumcision at >4 days of life.