UMBILICAL SEPSIS (OMPHALITIS)

It is not uncommon for mild umbilical sepsis to occur. The causative organisms include both Gram-positive and negative organisms. Anaerobic infections with Clostridium tetani may occur rarely.

The infection is manifested by serous or seropurulent umbilical discharge which may be offensive. The base of the cord stump looks moist and the periumbilical skin becomes red and swollen. There is delay in falling off of the cord.

CLINICAL FEATURES

Systemic manifestations include pyrexia and features of toxemia or jaundice in severe infection

 (1) Periumbilical cellulitis with suppuration;

(2) Thrombophlebitis of the umbilical vein with extension of the infection to the liver producing hepatitis or pyemic liver abscess;

(3) Peritonitis and

(4) Necrotizing fasciitis.

Prevention: Antiseptic and aseptic precaution should be taken right from the time of cutting the cord to the time of complete epithelization of the area after falling of the cord.

HOMOEOPATHIC TREATMENT

ABROTANUM:  It is suited to affections of newborn children. Bleeding from the navel of infants with ulceration of the naval. Hectic fever, with chilliness, very weakening;

CALCAREA PHOS:  Oozing of blood from the navel of new born. Frequent creeping shiverings. Copious night sweats

NUX MOSCH: Double tertian fever, with inclination to sleep, tongue white, rattling in throat, sanguineous expectoration, and moderate thirst, during heat and chilliness. Pain around the navel extending downwards both ways. Ulceration of the navel in new born babies

PYROGEN:  is the great remedy for septic states, with intense restlessness. "In septic fevers, especially puerperal, Pyrogen has demonstrated its great value as a homeopathic dynamic antiseptic. Umbilical cord becomes much swollen and inflamed-discolored.