Results
EPP
Among 60 infants randomized and included, 1 infant was excluded after randomization; there were 29 infants in the EPP group (mean [SD] gestational age, 27 weeks 6 days [15.0 days]; 14 females [48.3%]) and 30 infants in the DCC group (mean [SD] gestational age, 28 weeks 1 day [17.1 days]; 17 females [56.7%]). The mean (SD) birth weight was 982.8 (276.6) g and 970.2 (323.0) g in the EPP and DCC group, respectively. Intention-to-treat analysis revealed no significant difference in mean hematocrit level (mean difference [MD], 2.1 percentage points; [95% CI, −2.2 to 6.4 percentage points]). During transition, infants in the EPP group had significantly higher peripheral oxygen saturation as measured by pulse oximetry (adjusted MD at 5 minutes, 15.3 percentage points [95% CI, 2.0 to 28.6 percentage points]) and regional cerebral oxygen saturation (adjusted MD at 5 minutes, 11.3 percentage points [95% CI, 2.0 to 20.6 percentage points]). Neonatal outcome parameters were similar in the 2 groups.