Effect of Chlorhexidine Cleansing of Umbilical Cord for Prevention of Infection

Background: Chlorhexidine cleansing of the cord can reduce neonatal mortality among newborns. Objective: The aim of study was to determine the effect of cord cleansing with chlorhexidine in reduction of umbilical infection among newborns in hospital settings. Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was carried out between April 2013 to July 2014 and 510 newborns were randomly assigned within a tertiary level hospital in Bangladesh to receive 1 of 3 cord care regimens single cord cleansing with 4% chlorhexidine(Group-1), multiple cord cleansing with 4% chlorhexidine (Group-2) and clean and dry cord care (Group-3 : control). Results: The risk of umbilical cord infection (omphalitis) was significantly reduced in both the single (Relative risk [RR] 0.15 [95% CI] 0.008-0.93) and multiple chlorhexidine cleansing group (RR 0.37 [95% CI] 0.04- 0.99) compared to the dry cord care group. The risk of omphalitis was not significantly different between multiple and single chlorhexidine cleansing group (RR 3.14 [0.13-76.54]). Conclusion: Chlorhexidine significantly reduce the risk of umbilical infection in both single and multiple cord cleansing neonates. Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases 2017;4(2):35-39