Clinical question
How effective are disposable napkins in preventing napkin dermatitis in infants?
Bottom line
Although the included studies appeared to favour cellulose-core disposable napkins over cloth ones, absorbent gelling material over cellulose-only core napkins, breathable outer-shell over occlusive outer-shell napkins, and linings impregnated with formulations over plain linings, all of these studies were open to bias due to flawed methodology. There was not enough evidence from good quality randomised controlled trials to support or refute the use and type of disposable napkins.
Caveat
The suboptimal methodology descriptions and poor follow-up and outcome data limited interpretation of the studies. None of the studies gave any quantitative data comparing the study groups at baseline. All of the studies were performed in the US.
Context
Napkin dermatitis is a common condition that occurs in otherwise healthy infants. It causes discomfort to infants, anxiety to parents and caregivers and contributes to the load on the healthcare system. A large variety of napkins, disposable and non-disposable, are available.
Cochrane Systematic Review
Baer EL et al. Disposable nappies for preventing napkin dermatitis in infants. Cochrane Reviews, 2014, Issue 12. Art. No.: CD004262.DOI: 10.1002/14651858. CD004262.pub2. This review contains 17 studies involving 3301 participants
Cochrane Systematic Reviews for primary care practitioners
Developed by the Cochrane Primary Care Field, New Zealand Branch of the Australasian Cochrane Centre at the Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland and funded by the Ministry of Health and New Zealand Doctor. PEARLS are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care. New Zealanders can access the Cochrane Library free via www.cochrane.org.nz
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