Neonatal necrotizing fasciitis—a complication of poor cord hygiene: report of three cases

Abstract

Necrotizing fasciitis is a potentially lethal syndrome which rarely affects children. Occurrence in the neonatal period is uncommon, although it has been estimated that up to 50% of reported paediatric cases involve the neonate. Two previous reports have associated the syndrome with neonatal omphalitis. Three cases seen in the University of Benin Teaching Hospital are presented, with poor umbilical cord stump hygiene being the immediate predisposing/associated condition. Two of the infants had Founder's gangrene and the third developed gangrene of the anterior abdominal wall.