Topical umbilical cord care for prevention of infection and neonatal mortality

Abstract

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.

Figures

FIGURE 1

Comparison: 4% chlorhexidine versus dry cord care, outcome: all-cause neonatal mortality.

FIGURE 2

Comparison: 4% chlorhexidine versus dry cord care, outcome: neonatal sepsis and omphalitis.