Comparing the Effectiveness of Chlorhexidine Versus Ethanol against Preventing Cord Infections in Neonates Born in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To compare the frequency of omphalitis with 4% chlorhexidine versus ethanol for cord care in neonates born in a tertiary care hospital
Methods: It was randomized control trial and place of study was Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Services Hospital, Lahore. Study period was 6 months i.e. from (12-09-2017) to (12-03-2018). Data was collected from a total of 80 cases. Then females were randomly allocated in two groups. In group A, females were advised to clean the umbilical cord stump of neonate with 4% chlorhexidine. In group B, females were advised to clean umbilical cord with ethanol. Omphalitis was noted. Data was entered and analysed by using SPSS version 20.
Results: The c-section delivery was done in 45 number of patients (56.25%), SVD was done in 29 number of patients (36.25%) and instrumental delivery done in 6 number of patients (7.50%). Omphalitis was noted in 27 number of patients (33.75%), out of which 7 were from Chlorhexidine group and 20 were from ethanol group (p-value=0.002)
Conclusion: According to study of Özdemir H et al risk of omphalitis was found significantly reduced with use of 4% chlorhexidine as compared to use of ethanol for cord care.