FREQUency of Prevention of Omphalitis by Topical Application of Chlorhexidine to Neonatal Umbilical Cord Stumps

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of prevention of omphalitis by topical application of  chlorhexidine to neonatal umbilical cord stumps.
Methods: This quasi experimental study was conducted at departments of Pediatrics and  Obstetrics & Gynecology, Lahore General Hospital Lahore, from 01-05-2019 to 01-08-2019. A total of 200 neonates were included in this study. 4% chlorhexidine was applied to neonatal  umbilical cord on first, third and fifth day of life and were then observed for prevention of omphalitis  in first seven days of life.
Results: Mean age of the neonates was 1.45±0.98 days. There were 90 (45.0%) males and 110  (55.0%) females. Prevention of omphalitis was observed in 188 cases (94.0%) (Table-3).  Stratification with regard to age and gender was also carried out.
Conclusions: We concluded that topical application of chlorhexidine to neonatal umbilical cord  stumps resulted into significant reduction in omphalitis.