№ 2Neonatology11 min read
Diseases of the umbilicus and umbilical cord.
1. Big picture
The umbilicus is a small structure, but in neonatology it is an important infection, bleeding, congenital anomaly, and surgical red-flag site.
For the exam, think in 4 groups:
| Group | Examples |
|---|---|
| Normal cord changes | drying, separation, mild odor, small spotting |
| Infection | omphalitis, funisitis |
| Mass / discharge | umbilical granuloma, polyp, patent urachus, patent vitelline duct |
| Abdominal wall defect / hernia | umbilical hernia, omphalocele, gastroschisis |
The dangerous diagnosis is omphalitis, because it can progress rapidly to sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis, portal vein thrombosis, and death.
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