PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL INVESTIGATING THE IMPACT OF ANTISEPTIC VERSUS NON-ANTISEPTIC CORD CARE ON THE RATE OF OMPHALITIS IN NEWBORNS

Abstract

Background: Omphalitis, also known as umbilical cord infection, is a potentially fatal condition that affects newborns, characterized by inflammation and infection of the umbilical stump. Methods: Eighty newborn infants from maternity centers in Dera Ismail Khan were enrolled in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either antiseptic cord care group or non-antiseptic cord care group. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of omphalitis, while secondary outcomes included sepsis, cellulitis, abscess formation, and duration of hospital stay. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were collected, and appropriate statistical techniques were utilized for data analysis. Results: The antiseptic care group had the lower incidence of omphalitis (5%) compared to non-antiseptic care group (12.5%). Although not statistically significant, the trend favored antiseptic care in reducing complications. There were no significant differences in sepsis, cellulitis, abscess formation, duration of hospital stay, or parental satisfaction between the two groups. Conclusion: Antiseptic cord care demonstrated a potential protective effect against omphalitis in newborns, although observed differences were not statistically significant. These findings support the use of antiseptic care as a standard practice in newborns.