Effect of topical application of chlorhexidine for umbilical cord care in comparison with conventional dry cord care on the risk of neonatal sepsis: a randomized controlled trial.

Aim: To compare topical application of chlorhexidine for umbilical cord care with conventional dry care for prevention of neonatal sepsis in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Methods: The study 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 care groups. Data regarding time of cord separation, umbilical sepsis and neonatal sepsis were recorded.
Results: One hundred forty (dry care group 70, chlorhexidine group 70) were enrolled and finally analysed. A significant difference was observed among groups in terms of time to cord separation and incidence of blood culture-proven sepsis though there was no statistical difference noted among the groups with regards to umbilical infection, probable sepsis and meningitis.
Conclusion: Use of chlorhexidine for umbilical cord care prevents sepsis in the NICU.