Characteristics of Newborns Treated for Acute Omphalitis at the University Hospital of Split 2015 – 2019

Abstract

Objectives − The aim of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical and laboratory data in neonates treated for acute omphalitis at the time of admission at the University Hospital of Split.

Patients and Methods − All neonates treated for acute omphalitis from January 1st 2015 to December 31st 2019 were included in this study.

Results − There were 97 neonates included, of whom 58 (59.79%) were males. The median age at admission was 7 days. The most common clinical sign was periumbilical redness in 70 (72.16%), followed by umbilical discharge in 49 (50.52%) neonates. In 62 (63.92%) neonates bacteria were isolated from the umbilical stump swab. The most common microorganism isolated was methicilin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) in 21 (33.87%) neonates followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae in 15 (24.19%), and Escherichia coli in 14 (22.58%) cases. Antibiotics were given to all neonates. In all neonates treatment and clinical course were uneventful, without mortality.

Conclusion − Neonatal omphalitis was not a frequent cause of hospitalization in the entire group of hospitalized patients at the Department of Pediatrics of the University Hospital of Split (0.75%). Acute omphalitis had a mild clinical course and redness of the periumbilical area, together with the presence of umbilical cord discharge, predominated in the clinical presentation. It is necessary to educate the population and medical staff continuously on the importance of maintaining newborn hygiene and proper umbilical cord care.