A randomized study of 3 umbilical cord care regimens at home in thai neonates: comparison of time to umbilical cord separation, parental satisfaction and bacterial colonization.

OBJECTIVE To compare time to cord separation, parental satisfaction and bacterial colonization, among 3 regimens of cord care at home. STUDY DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. MATERIAL AND METHOD Term infants were randomly assigned based on cord care regimens at home: 1) triple dye, 2) alcohol, and 3) no antiseptic agent. Timing of cord separation, and parental satisfaction were evaluated during the first month of age. RESULTS 185 infants were recruited. Time to cord separation in infants of group I was significantly longer than in group 2 (p = 0.036) and group 3 (p = 0.003). The satisfaction scores of group I were significantly lower than those of group 2 and group 3. 180 culture specimens were performed and positive in all but none had omphalitis. CONCLUSION Triple dye delayed time to cord separation and was less satisfactory. The authors conclude that using alcohol or dry clean could be alternative ways of umbilical cord care at home.