Impact of chlorhexidine cleansing of the umbilical cord on cord separation time and neonatal mortality in comparison to dry cord care – a nursery-based randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Aim: To study the impact of chlorhexidine cleansing of the umbilical cord on cord separation time and neonatal mortality in comparison to dry cord care.Methods: This is the secondary analysis of the data of the study which was conducted in the NICU of a teaching hospital in north India between 2010 and 2011. Newborns (>32 weeks of gestation and weighing >1500 g) were randomized into chlorhexidine application and dry cord care groups. Here, we analyze the data regarding time of cord separation, umbilical sepsis and mortality in both the groups.Results: One hundred and forty (dry care group 70, chlorhexidine group 70) were enrolled and finally analyzed. A significant difference was observed among groups in terms of time to cord separation (8.92 ± 2.77 days versus 10.31 ± 3.23 days; t = 2.20; p = 0.02, significant) and neonatal mortality (χ2 = 4.11; p = 0.042, significant).Conclusion: Use of chlorhexidine for umbilical cord care shortens duration of cord separation and decreases neonatal mortality in NICU. This simple intervention can be used as mode for decreasing neonatal mortality.