Omphalitis

As omphalitis ( " navel inflammation " ) refers to an inflammation of the umbilical stump and the surrounding abdominal wall.

Causes

A Omphalitis usually occurs during the first weeks of life in newborns and is traumatic and infectious reasons. Risk factors include low birth weight, previous puncture of the umbilical cord as well as an early or delayed tear the umbilical cord. Rarely, a Omphalitis also be triggered by a navel piercing.

In Omphalitiden usually is it to mixed bacterial infections. Common Staphylococcus aureus, group A streptococci, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, but also as anaerobes Clostridium perfringens and Bacteroides fragilis involved.

Symptoms

Typically, in the initial stage, a purulent discharge from the navel and a redness and swelling of the surrounding tissue.

Complications

Quite often there is no treatment to complications and life-threatening conditions caused by ascending infections. Peritonitis, liver abscesses, portal vein thrombosis, endocarditis and sepsis are accompanied by fever and malaise. Also, local complications such as necrosis of the abdominal muscles, abscesses of the navel area and necrotizing fasciitis have a fairly high mortality rate.

Treatment

For treatment, antibiotics, rarely used surgical measures.