An improved protective barrier for neonatal umbilical cord care: A technical innovation report

In developing countries, approximately 4 million newborn deaths occur each year, and infections are responsible for 30% of these deaths. One of the sources of infection can be the umbilical stump (also known as the umbilical cord) after birth. Poor hygiene conditions encountered during birth and the first week after birth significantly increase the risk of fatal but preventable infections. Throughout history, various agents have been employed in umbilical cord care to expedite the drying process of the umbilical cord and minimize the risk of infection. These agents include herbal products, olive oil, coconut oil, colostrum, triple dye, povidone-iodine, various antibiotics, sterile water, and alcohol. Cord care is aimed at bacterial colonization and subsequent infections. However, the connection between colonization and infection has not been fully explained. Prolonged cord shedding time suggests an increased risk of infection. To contribute to the solution of problems in this area with an innovative approach, a protective barrier was developed for newborn umbilical cord care. To facilitate newborn umbilical cord care after discharge and maternal newborn care, and to prevent the formation of infections and preventable newborn deaths, a protective barrier for the umbilical cord was developed. This article aims to introduce the Protective Barrier Developed for Umbilical Cord Care of the Newborn, which was registered as a utility model by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.