What is the term Omphalitis?

Omphalitis is an infection of the umbilical stump. It typically presents as a superficial cellulitis that can spread to involve the entire abdominal wall and may progress to necrotizing fasciitis, myonecrosis, or systemic disease.

What is the pathophysiology of Omphalitis?

Pathophysiology. Potential bacterial pathogens normally colonize the umbilical stump after birth. These bacteria invade the umbilical stump, leading to omphalitis. Established aerobic bacterial infection, necrotic tissue, and poor blood supply facilitate the growth of anaerobic organisms.

WHO recommended umbilical cord care?

“Daily chlorhexidine (7.1% chlorhexidine digluconate aqueous solution or gel, delivering 4% chlorhexidine) application to the umbilical cord stump during the first week of life is recommended for newborns who are born at home in settings with high neonatal mortality (30 or more neonatal deaths per 1,000 live births).

Can Omphalitis cause sepsis?

Early recognition and treatment of omphalitis are essential to prevent the serious complications of this disease. Sepsis is the most common complication and can progress to septic shock and death.

How common is omphalitis?

Omphalitis is the medical term for a severe infection of the umbilical cord stump. In the United States, omphalitis is very rare, thanks to the infection control procedures in hospitals and routine standards of umbilical cord care. Yet, these nasty infections do happen in about 1 in 200 newborns.

Can adults get omphalitis?

Umbilical dermatitis is a common condition, with infection common in adults. It is usually associated with inadequate hygiene and deepening of umbilical cord caused by obesity. The condition is really a dermatitis and analogous to intertrigo that often occurs between folds of the skin.

What are signs of omphalitis?

Clinically, neonates with omphalitis present within the first two weeks of life with signs and symptoms of a skin infection (cellulitis) around the umbilical stump (redness, warmth, swelling, pain), pus from the umbilical stump, fever, fast heart rate (tachycardia), low blood pressure (hypotension), somnolence, poor …

What causes omphalitis in adults?

Who delayed bathing?

The WHO came out with a statement and time parameters stating “bathing should be delayed until after 24 hours of birth. If this is not possible due to cultural reasons, bathing should be delayed for at least six hours.” Appropriate clothing of the baby for temperature maintenance is recommended.

How many times should I clean newborn umbilical cord?

The best way to care for an umbilical cord stump is to keep it clean and dry until it falls off on its own. To keep it clean, you don’t need to wash it regularly. Instead, you should avoid getting it dirty. Keeping the stump dry is the best way to promote healthy healing and a natural break off.

How is omphalitis treated?

Omphalitis is treated with antibiotics directed toward the more common causative organisms. These may include nafcillin and cefotaxime. Metronidazole can be added for anaerobic coverage, especially if necrotizing fasciitis or myonecrosis is suspected. Surgical débridement may be required for complications.

How is Omphalitis treated?