Neonatal Omphalitis in Iraq

Abstract

In developed countries aseptic delivery techniques, hygienic cord care and prompt antimicrobial therapy have decreased the occurrence as well as the severity of Omphalitis. However, the condition remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing country. The objective is the risk factors, clinical and bacteriological profile of neonates with Omphalitis in Iraq. Regarding the patients sixty-four neonatal Omphalitis admitted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Children Welfare Teaching Hospital and Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Al-elwya Teaching Hospital in Baghdad Iraq, during 8 months from October 2011 to May 2012. The risk factors and clinical, bacteriologic and relevant investigational profiles and outcomes were studied in neonates with Omphalitis. For the study purpose Omphalitis was classified into four categories based on severity. The result was show that the incidence of Omphalitis was higher in home births and in neonates with low birth weight. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common pathogen isolated from umbilical swabs followed by Escherichia coli. Regarding conclusion low birth weight and home delivery are considered as risk factors for Omphalitis in Iraq. The treatment should be received for Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganism because of the predominance of Gram-negative microorganisms in neonatal infant with Omphalitis.