Peri-umbilical cellulitis in Nigerian neonates

A retrospective analysis was made of 32 neonates with peri-umbilical cellulitis seen at Wesley Guild Hospital, Ilesa, Nigeria from 1979 through 1989. All were full term and delivered after a normal pregnancy. The male : female ratio was 1,3:1. On admission, the mean (Standard Deviation) post-natal age, weight and duration of symptoms were 7,3 (2,7) days, 3,21 (0,5) kg, and 1,9 (1,3) days perspectively. Major features were abdominal distension, extensive peri-umbilical induration and inflammation, and fould-smelling discharge. Most mother had antenatal care, but 60 pc were delivered at home or in the mission house. There were no recognisable maternal risk factors