Changing spectrum of neonatal omphalitis.

Area of Science:

• Neonatal infections
• Public health
• Infectious disease epidemiology

Background:

• Omphalitis, an umbilical cord infection in newborns, poses significant health risks.
• Understanding risk factors and clinical profiles is crucial for effective management.
• Previous studies highlighted varying incidence and causative agents globally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the risk factors, clinical presentation, and bacteriologic profile of neonatal omphalitis.
• To analyze trends in omphalitis incidence over a five-year period.
• To assess the impact of healthcare improvements on omphalitis outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study conducted over five years (1994-1998) in Oman.
• Included 207 neonates with omphalitis across hospital and home births.
• Classified omphalitis severity and analyzed clinical, bacteriologic, and outcome data.

Main Results:

• Higher omphalitis incidence observed in home births, neonates with intrapartum sepsis risk, and low birth weight infants.
• Staphylococcus aureus was the predominant pathogen, followed by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp.
• A significant decline in omphalitis incidence and severity correlated with reduced home births.

Conclusions:

• Neonatal omphalitis rates and severity are decreasing in Oman.
• This decline is linked to reduced home births, improved obstetric care, and enhanced maternal-child health services.
• Continued focus on healthcare improvements can further reduce the burden of neonatal infections.