An audit of the effect of two cord-care regimens on bacterial colonization in newborn infants.

Abstract

Proper care of the umbilical cord of newborn infants may prevent later infections. When St Joseph's Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario, started using alcohol instead of triple dye for umbilical cord care, there was a dramatic increase in the incidence of bacterial colonization in newborns in the nursery and, later, in the number of cases of staphylococcus-related skin infections in infants born at the hospital. Follow-up on 1,545 infants revealed that triple dye was significantly more effective than alcohol in reducing the growth of gram-positive organisms, especially Staphylococcus aureus and group B streptococcus, and several gram-negative organisms. Because hospital medical staff had carefully collected data on bacterial colonization, they were quickly aware of the problem and could justify resuming the use of triple dye.

• Authors: B Paes, C C Jones
• Journal: QRB. Quality review bulletin (QRB Qual Rev Bull) Vol. 13 Issue 3 Pg. 109-13 (Mar 1987) ISSN: 0097-5990 [Print] United States
• PMID: 3106874 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Bacterial Agents
• Drug Combinations
• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
• Triple Dye
• Ethanol
• Proflavine
• Gentian Violet

Topics

• Anti-Bacterial Agents (administration & dosage)
• Bacteria (isolation & purification)
• Drug Combinations (administration & dosage)
• Ethanol (administration & dosage)
• Gentian Violet (administration & dosage)
• Humans
• Infant Care (standards)
• Infant, Newborn
• Medical Audit
• Proflavine (administration & dosage)
• Quality Assurance, Health Care
• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (administration & dosage)
• Umbilical Cord (microbiology)