Abstract
Background: The most prevalent inflammatory abnormality in the neonates is an umbilical granuloma. It is a benign growth that forms from excessive granulation and failure of epithelialization at the umbilical base. It is not a congenital abnormality and does not present at birth. There is a range of treatment options from silver nitrate, copper sulfate to surgical excision, and cauterization. However, there is a dearth of evidence in the literature concerning the single best treatment option. This study serves that purpose in comparing the therapeutic effects of copper sulfate with the common salt.
Methods: This comparative experimental study was conducted in Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for six months using WHO calculator, 60 patients from both genders between ages 2 weeks to 4 months having umbilical granuloma were enrolled. A written informed consent was taken from parents. By lottery method, patients were allocated into group A receiving treatment with copper sulfate; and group B receiving common salt. The outcome was recorded in terms of frequency of excellent response.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 6.83±3.05 weeks. There were 32 (53.3%) males and 20 (46.7%) females. No statistically significant difference was observed in the mean age, duration of symptoms, and gender. Significant frequency of excellent response was observed in the copper sulfate group (100% vs. 53.3%; p<0.05) as compared to the common salt group.
Conclusion: Copper sulfate is a better treatment option than common salt for the treatment of umbilical granuloma.
Keywords: umbilical granuloma, copper sulfate, common salt.
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Corresponding Author
Dr Adnan Bashir Bhatti, MD
Department of Neonatal & Paediatric Surgery
Children Hospital PIMS, Islamabad, Pakistan
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i11.226
