Abstract

Topical umbilical cord care for prevention of infection and neonatal mortality

Karumbi, J. Mulaku, M. Aluvaala, J. English, M. Opiyo, N.
Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2013; 3278-83

Permanent descriptor

https://doi.org/10.1097/INF.0b013e3182783dc3

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.