Study on the time of umbilical cord shedding in premature infants and its influencing factors

Objective To explore the time of umbilical cord shedding in premature infants, and analyze its influencing factors.

Methods The data of 151 premature infants were collected.The 33 related factors in preterm births, hospital condition and mother's condition were investigated usng the univariate analysis and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results The time of umbilical cord shedding in premature infants was (15.17±6.11) days.The results of single factor analysis showed that the differences of premature infants' birth weight, gestational age, age at birth, NRDS, duration of antibiotic use, length of time in incubator, temperature in incubator, duration of phototherapy, Apgar score of 1 minute, education level of pregnant mothers on the time of umbilical cord shedding were statistically significant(P < 0.05 to P < 0.01).The results of multiple regression analysis showed that the time of umbilical cord shedding in premature infant was negatively correlated with birth weight(P < 0.01), and positively correlated with length of stay in incubator(P < 0.01).

Conclusions Birth weight and length of stay in incubator are the main factors that affect the time of umbilical cord shedding in premature infants.Delayed umbilical cord shedding will not only affect the growth and development of premature infants, but also increase the risk of infection and even endanger life.Understanding the factors affecting the time of umbilical cord shedding in premature infants can provide important basis for nursing and treatment of premature infants.