Comparison of the Impact of Topical Chlorhexidine Versus Methylated Spirion Umbilical Cord Sloughing Time in Neonates

Abstract

Objectives: To study the impact of applying topical Chlorhexidine compared with Methylated spirit on umbilical cord sloughing time in neonates.

Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.

Place and Duration of Study: Paediatric Department, KRL Hospital, Islamabad Pakistan from Oct 2018 to Mar 2019.

Methodology: A total of 100 neonates were enrolled in each Group, i.e., Chlorhexidine and Methylated spirit. After taking informed consent from the parents, the treatment was applied twice daily for five days. Parents had telephonic interviews about the signs of umbilical cord infection on day two following enrollment in the study, and then babies were examined for signs of omphalitis during each hospital visit on days-7, 14 and 21. Umbilical cord sloughing time was noted.

Results: Both Groups were independent (statistically insignificant) with respect to neonatal birth weight, gestational age, neonatal sex, mode of delivery and type of feed with p-values of 0.258 and 0.17, 0.066, 0.304 and 0.143, respectively. The result showed that the mean rank of cord sloughing time with the Methylated spirit was significantly less than Chlorhexidine, with the p-value of 0.001.

Conclusion: Based on our results, we concluded that the application of Methylated spirit on the umbilical cord shortens the sloughing time compared to Chlorhexidine, but both treatments have comparable efficacy in preventing omphalitis.