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Does Umbilical Cord Care in Preterm Infants Influence Cord Bacterial Colonization or Detachment?

Journal of Perinatology volume 24, pages 100–104 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to compare alcohol versus natural drying for umbilical cord care in preterm infants and to examine its effects on bacterial colonization and cord detachment.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Eligible infants <34 weeks gestation admitted to the NICU were randomized to receive either umbilical cleansing with 70% isopropyl alcohol at each diaper change or natural drying. Umbilical stump cultures were performed at 12 to 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, and 14 days of age.

RESULTS: A total of 109 infants were enrolled; 102 completed the study. Analyses revealed that the median cord detachment time was significantly shorter in the natural drying group compared to the alcohol group (13.0 versus 16.0 days; p=0.003). There were no cases of local umbilical infection in either group.

CONCLUSION: Based on the present study, it appears that natural drying is a safe and effective means of umbilical cord care in preterm infants.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by a grant from the Park Ridge Health Foundation. Special thanks to the entire NICU staff, Rose Filko, MT, ASCP (Microbiology), Bryan Coyle, MA (Statistics), and Julie Stamos, MD (Pediatric Infectious Disease).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Lutheran General Children's Hospital, IL, USA

    Kelley Evens DO, Jeffrey George DO, Denise Angst DNSc & Lorene Schweig RN

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Advocate Medical Group, IL, USA

    Jeffrey George DO

  3. Divisions of Neonatology, IL, USA

    Jeffrey George DO

  4. Divisions of Research Park Ridge, IL, USA

    Denise Angst DNSc & Lorene Schweig RN

Authors
  1. Kelley Evens DO
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  2. Jeffrey George DO
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  3. Denise Angst DNSc
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  4. Lorene Schweig RN
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Additional information

Statistical Consultant: Bryan Coyle, MA, Advocate Institutional Review Board.

Financial Support: Park Ridge Health Foundation.

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Evens, K., George, J., Angst, D. et al. Does Umbilical Cord Care in Preterm Infants Influence Cord Bacterial Colonization or Detachment?. J Perinatol 24, 100–104 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211027

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