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Review
. 2013 Jan;32(1):78-83.
doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e3182783dc3.

Topical umbilical cord care for prevention of infection and neonatal mortality

Jamlick Karumbi  1 , Mercy Mulaku, Jalemba Aluvaala, Mike English, Newton Opiyo
Affiliations
Review

Topical umbilical cord care for prevention of infection and neonatal mortality

Jamlick Karumbi et al. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2013 Jan.

Abstract

Umbilical cord care varies often reflecting community or health-worker beliefs. We undertook a review of current evidence on topical umbilical cord care. Study quality was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system, and a meta-analysis was conducted for comparable trials. Available moderate-quality to high-quality evidence indicate that cord cleansing with 4% chlorhexidine may reduce the risk of neonatal mortality and sepsis (omphalitis) in low-resource settings.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Comparison: 4% chlorhexidine versus dry cord care, outcome: all-cause neonatal mortality.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Comparison: 4% chlorhexidine versus dry cord care, outcome: neonatal sepsis and omphalitis.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Comment in

  • Topical umbilical cord care.
    Chandrasekaran A, Sankar MJ, Agarwal R, Paul VK. Chandrasekaran A, et al. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2013 Jul;32(7):801. doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e31828ba7ad. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2013. PMID: 23838783 No abstract available.
  • Topical umbilical cord care.
    Karumbi J, Mulaku M, Aluvaala J, English M, Opiyo N. Karumbi J, et al. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2013 Jul;32(7):801-2. doi: 10.1097/INF.0b013e31829138fd. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2013. PMID: 23838784 No abstract available.

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