Anomalies, abnormalities, and care of the umbilicus.

This article discusses various anomalies and abnormalities of the umbilical cord and issues related to cord care. The issue of screening newborns with an isolated single umbilical artery for renal abnormalities is addressed. The clinical presentation of infants with omphalomesenteric and urachal duct remants along with the more common umbilical granuloma is reviewed. All three of these abnormalities can present with a wet or draining cord. The need for umbilical cord treatment with antimicrobial/antiseptic agents versus dry cord care is discussed, as are serious infections that involve the cord.