Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Omphalitis
Introduction
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Overview
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.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Historical Perspective
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References
Classification
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References
Pathophysiology
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References
Causes
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
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Mugilan Poongkunran M.B.B.S [2]
Differentiating Omphalitis from other Diseases
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References
Epidemiology and Demographics
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.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Risk Factors
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.
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
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References
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
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]