Umbilical sepsis/Omphalitis

 

What is Omphalitis?

Omphalitis is an infection of the umbilical stump.

Causes

Bacterial infection are commonly the cause of omphalitis. Aerobic bacteria are present approximately 85% of infections, predominated by Group A Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Anaerobic bacteria such as Bacteroides fragilis, Clostridium perfringens, and Clostridium tetani can also responsible for umbilical sepsis.

Who is at risk for omphalitis?

• Unhygienic environment of delivery.
• Exchange blood transfusion.
• Contaminated cord cutting.
• Infected hands of care giver.

Symptoms

• Periumbilical area red and swollen.
• Serious or sero-purulent with foul-smelling discharge from cord.
• Delay in cord falling.
• Fever.
• Irritability, lethargy and decreased activity.

Diagnosis

In most cases, the omphalitis simply diagnosed by doctors through physical examination of umbilical cord.

Treatment / Prevention of omphalitis

• Keep the cord clean and dry; mild soap and water may be use to clean cord.
• Keep the cord open and do not apply any bandage to cord.
• Prevent the diaper from covering the cord; fold the diaper below the cord.
• Using a clean tie or clamp on the cord.
• Washing hands with clean water and soap before handling the baby.
• An immunization for tetanus during pregnancy.
• Umbilical clamp can be removed after 24 hours if cord is dried and occluded and is not bleeding.
• Assess cord for odor, swelling and discharge.
• The new born is washed via a sponge bath until the cord falls off.
• Normally the cord is falls off within 7 to 10 days.
• If infected apply spirit, antibiotic powder, triple dye as per hospital protocols.
• Systemic antibiotic therapy.