Efficacy of 10% povidone iodine versus 70% alcohol in umbilical cord care of newborn infants

Objective To compare the effectiveness of 10% povidone iodine to that of 70% alcohol in umbilical cord care of newborn infants. Methods This open label clinical trial was conducted in Pirngadi Hospital, Medan from July to September 2003. Newborn infants who fulfilled inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to umbilical cord care using 10% povidone iodine or 70% alcohol. The main outcome measures were omphalitis prevalence, microorganism colonization, and time to umbilical cord separation. Culture of the umbilical cord swab was taken in the first 48-72 hours after birth. The umbilical cord was observed daily during hospitalization and every other day after discharge until cord separation. Statistical analysis was done using chi-square test and independent t-test. Results There were 54 infants in the povidone iodine group and 52 infants in the alcohol group. Omphalitis was absent in both groups. Fourteen percent of subjects in the povidone iodine group showed no microorganism growth, compared to 7% in the alcohol group. Staphylococcus aureus colonization was found in 10% of subjects in the povidone iodine group and 23% of subjects in the alcohol group. The prevalence of Escherichia coli colonization was 41% and 47% in the povidone iodine and alcohol groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between both groups in bacterial colonization (P=0.135). Mean time to umbilical cord separation was 6.44 days in the povidone iodine group and 6.13 days in the alcohol group (P=0.431). Conclusion These results suggest that 10% povidone iodine and 70% alcohol are equally effective in umbilical cord care of newborn infants [Pediatr Indones 2005;45:198-202].