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ophthalmia neonatorum
Conjunctivitis in the newborn. May lead to systemic illness if not treated.
Etiology:
1) bacterial: generally Neisseria gonorrhoeae
2) viral: Herpes simplex
3) Chlamydia
- transmission: passage through the birth canal
Clinical manifestations:
1) Chlamydia
a) symptoms develop after 3-10 days
b) bilateral conjunctivitis or keratoconjunctivitis
c) mucopurulent discharge
d) swelling & erythema of eyelids
e) cornea is usually unaffected
f) otitis media occasionally associated
g) pneumonitis occasionally associated
2) Neisseria gonorrhoeae
a) symptoms develop after 2-4 days
b) hyperacute conjunctivitis
c) purulent exudate
d) keratoconjunctivitis may lead to corneal ulceration
Laboratory:
1) gram stain
2) culture
3) fluorescent antibody for Chlamydia
Management:
- all newborns should receive 0.5% erythromycin ophthalmic ointment to prevent gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum [2]
Related
keratoconjunctivitis
General
ophthalmia; ophthalmitis
conjunctivitis
eye infection (ocular infection)
References
- Saunders Manual of Medical Practice, Rakel (ed),
WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1996, pg 69
- U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)
Draft Recommendation Statement
Ocular Prophylaxis for Gonococcal Ophthalmia Neonatorum:
Preventive Medication
https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/draft-recommendation-statement/ocular-prophylaxis-for-gonococcal-ophthalmia-neonatorum-preventive-medication1
- Draft Evidence Review for Ocular Prophylaxis for Gonococcal
Ophthalmia Neonatorum: Preventive Medication
https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/Page/Document/draft-evidence-review/ocular-prophylaxis-for-gonococcal-ophthalmia-neonatorum-preventive-medication1