Abstract
Objective: To determine the efficacy of chlorhexidine 4 % versus dry cord in neonatal cord care to prevent
infections and reducing healing time in a hospital setting.
Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial.
Place and Duration of Study: At Department of Paediatrics Cantonment general hospital, Rawalpindi from 1
December 2016 to 30 November 2017.
Materials and Methods: Total 200 newborns were divided into two groups by randomization using lottery
method; Group A comprising of 100 newborns were applied with chlorhexidine 4% on umbilical cord, once a
day for a week and group B 100 newborns were advised conventional dry cord care. They were called for follow
up visit after 1 week and later contacted telephonically till the separation of umbilical cord. Newborns with
delayed healing or any signs of infection were called again for follow up examination. The day of separation of
umbilical cord and signs of infection were recorded for each neonate.
Results: The mean duration of separation and healing of umbilical cord in group A (chlorhexidine 4%) and group
B (dry cord care) was 8.35±3.73 and 6.98±2.59 days respectively. The difference in healing and duration of
separation of umbilical cord in two groups was statistically significant (p= 0.003). Signs of infection observed in
group A and group B were 5% and 4% respectively. Hence statistically insignificant (p=0.73).
Conclusion: The umbilical cord care with 4% chlorhexidine or conventional dry method has similar results in
terms of frequency of infection in a hospital setting. However healing time in terms of mean duration of
separation of umbilical cord is prolonged with the application of 4% chlorhexidine to the cord stump.
Noshina Riaz, Rida Tahir, Sidra Tul Muntaha, Shahid Aziz, Rubina Zulfqar. (2019) Comparison of Umbilical Cord Care: Chlorhexidine 4% Versus Dry Cord Care, Journal of Islamic International Medical College, Volume-14, Issue-1.
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