Omphalitis
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Omphalitis is the medical term for infection of the umbilical cord stump in the neonatal newborn period. While currently an uncommon source of infection in the newborn in the United States, it has caused significant morbidity and mortality both historically and in areas where health care is less readily available.
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Historical Perspective
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Classification
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Pathophysiology
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Causes
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Mugilan Poongkunran M.B.B.S [2]
Overview
Omphalitis is most commonly caused by bacteria. The most common bacteria are Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, Escherichia Coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The infection is typically caused by a mix of these organisms and is, thus, a mixed Gram-positive and Gram-negative infection. Anaerobic bacteria can also be involved. A common cause of omphalitis is improper cord care.
Causes
Life Threatening Causes
Life-threatening causes include conditions which may result in death or permanent disability within 24 hours if left untreated.
Common Causes
Causes by Organ System
Causes in Alphabetical Order
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Differentiating Omphalitis from other Diseases
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Epidemiology and Demographics
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
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Epidemiology
The current incidence in the United States is somewhere around 0.5% per year. There does not appear to be any racial or ethnic predilection.
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Risk Factors
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
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Risk factors
Omphalitis is more common in those infants
- who have a weakened or deficient immune system.
- who are hospitalized and subject to invasive procedures.
- who are premature.
- sick with other infections such as blood infection (sepsis) or pneumonia.
- who had a prolonged birth.
- who had birth complicated by infection of the placenta (chorioamnionitis).
- who have had umbilical catheters.
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Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
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Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | CT | Other Imaging Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Treatment
Medical Therapy | Surgery | Primary Prevention | Secondary Prevention | Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy | Future or Investigational Therapies
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