What is neonatal Omphalitis?

Introduction. Omphalitis is an infection of the umbilicus and/or surrounding tissues, occurring primarily in the neonatal period. It is limited to around the umbilicus in the majority of newborns. However, it can rapidly progress to systemic infection and death, with an estimated mortality rate between 7% to 15%.

How is Omphalitis diagnosed?

For an infected umbilical stump, diagnosis is usually made by the clinical appearance of the umbilical cord stump and the findings on history and physical examination. There may be some confusion, however, if a well-appearing neonate simply has some redness around the umbilical stump.

How is Omphalitis treated?

Medication Summary A combination of parenterally administered antistaphylococcal penicillin and an aminoglycoside antibiotic is recommended for uncomplicated omphalitis. Intravenous antimicrobial therapy with clindamycin or metronidazole may be indicated in some cases.

What is cord Omphalitis?

Omphalitis is an infection of the umbilical stump. It typically presents as a superficial cellulitis that can spread to involve the entire abdominal wall and may progress to necrotizing fasciitis, myonecrosis, or systemic disease.

What is the meaning of the term omphalitis?

Omphalitis is defined as infection of the umbilicus—in particular, the umbilical stump in the newborn. It primarily affects neonates, in whom the combination of the umbilical stump and decreased immunity presents an opportunity for infection.

Can a person with recurrent omphalitis be an adult?

Recurrent omphalitis is seen more frequently in children, but clinicians world-wide are occasionally challenged by cases of recurrent omphalitis in adults. Apart from folliculitis and infections associated with pilonidal cysts and piercing of the umbilical area, the clinician should consider the pos … Recurrent omphalitis in adults

Is the disease omphalitis common in industrialized countries?

Omphalitis is uncommon in industrialized countries outside the setting of umbilical vessel catherization; however, it remains a common cause of neonatal mortality in less developed areas. It is predominantly a disease of the neonate, with only a few cases having been reported in adults.

Where does omphalitis spread in the human body?

The infection can spread along the umbilical artery, umbilical veins, abdominal wall lymphatics and vessels, and by direct spread to contiguous areas (Figure 20.1). The bacteriological spectrum of omphalitis is undergoing change, in light of the changes in cord care, antibiotic use, bacterial resistance profiles, and local practices.