Topical umbilical cord care for prevention of infection and neonatal mortality.
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.
Division of Paediatrics, Ministry of Medical Services, Afya House, Nairobi, Kenya. jkarumbi@nairobi.kemri-wellcome.org
Jamlick
J
Karumbi
Mercy
M
Mulaku
Jalemba
J
Aluvaala
Mike
M
English
Newton
N
Opiyo
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014943:Global Health; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007232:Infant, Newborn, Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014470:Umbilical Cord
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D002710:Chlorhexidine