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Title: Umbilical Cord Problems

Category: Pediatrics

Keywords: Delayed Umbilical Cord Separation, Omphalitis, Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (PubMed Search)

Posted: 2/29/2008 by Sean Fox, MD (Updated: 7/21/2026)

Umbilical Cord Problems

  • Delayed Umbilical Separation
    • Normal Time for cord separation = 1 – 8 weeks postnatal age.
    • Common Reasons for Delayed Separation:
      • h/o Neonatal Sepsis and antibiotic administration
      • h/o Prematurity
      • h/o C-Section delivery
      • h/o Low Birth Weight
    • Rare, yet most concerning reason for Delayed Separation:
      • Immuno-Deficiency – Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency type 1 (LAD-1)
        • Life-threatening
  • Omphalitis
    • Infection of the remnant of the umbilical cord
    • More common in developing countries
    • Staph. aureus is most common organism cultured
    • Complication from:
      • Spontaneous Evisceration
      • Necrotizing Fasciiis of scrotum and/or penis
      • Peritonitis
      • Intra-abdominal abscesses
    • Early detection is paramount

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