Bacteriologic studies in ligated and nonligated umbilical cords

Abstract

A bacteriologic study was conducted on newborns, employing two groups: (1) 88 cases of nonligated cords, and (2) 63 cases of ligated cords. The method has been described in detail, including the handling of the umbilical cord and that employed in the bacteriologic studies. The bacteriologic findings were divided into four groups: (1) Coagulase-Positive Staphylococci, (2) Intestinal Type Organisms, (3) Respiratory Type Organisms, and (4) Anaerobic Organisms. The incidence of Group 1 within 24 hours was 35 per cent in the ligated group and 57 per cent in the nonligated group, but within 72 hours the incidence in the ligated group rose from 35 per cent to 63 per cent and in the nonligated group dropped from 57 per cent to 45 per cent. Bacteriologic observations on Group III, in nonligated cords, showed that 13 cases which were positive within 24 hours became negative within 72 hours, and in Group IV in nonligated group, all organisms that were positive within 24 hours became negative within 72 hours.We feel that a cord that desiccates rapidly and separates early seems to be less favorable to the growth and maintenance of bacteriologic flora, and finally we feel that the amount of handling and contacts to which the severed cord is exposed is important in its relation to its bacterial flora. It is also felt that there are definite advantages in late severance and nonligation of the umbilical cord.