A randomized study of 3 umbilical cord care regimens at home in thai neonates: comparison of time to umbilical cord separation, parental satisfaction and bacterial colonization.
OBJECTIVE
To compare time to cord separation, parental satisfaction and bacterial colonization, among 3 regimens of cord care at home.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Term infants were randomly assigned based on cord care regimens at home: 1) triple dye, 2) alcohol, and 3) no antiseptic agent. Timing of cord separation, and parental satisfaction were evaluated during the first month of age.


RESULTS
185 infants were recruited. Time to cord separation in infants of group I was significantly longer than in group 2 (p = 0.036) and group 3 (p = 0.003). The satisfaction scores of group I were significantly lower than those of group 2 and group 3. 180 culture specimens were performed and positive in all but none had omphalitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Triple dye delayed time to cord separation and was less satisfactory. The authors conclude that using alcohol or dry clean could be alternative ways of umbilical cord care at home.
Chamnanvanakij
Sangkae
S
Department of Pediatrics, Phramongkutklao Hospital, 315 Rajavithee Rd, Bangkok 10400, Thailand. sangkae@hotmail.com
Decharachakul
Kesanee
K
Rasamimaree
Phonphat
P
Vanprapar
Nirun
N
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000431:Ethanol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005840:Gentian Violet / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011370:Proflavine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013785:Thailand; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000382:microbiology*
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D004338:Drug Combinations; D000644:Quaternary Ammonium Compounds; C014234:Triple Dye; D000431:Ethanol; D011370:Proflavine; D005840:Gentian Violet