Neonatal Conjunctivitis (Ophthalmia Neonatorum)
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Ophthalmia Neonatorum (ON) means inflammation of the conjunctiva of a newborn baby of less than 1 month of age.
Is a potentially sight threatening condition. If the baby is older, the cause is unlikely to be an STI.
Causes
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae
- Chlamydia trachomatis
- Other non-STI causes of neonatal conjunctivitis include:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Haemophilus and Pseudomonas spp
- Viral, chemical and physical irritation
Presentation
- Reddish conjunctiva
- Oedema/swelling of eyelids
- Purulent eye discharge
Prevention and control measures
- Screening of pregnant women
- Early treatment of VDS in pregnant women
- Routine eye chemoprophylaxis in the newborn by providing
A: 1% oxytetracycline eye ointment to all newborns
Note: Examine the neonate and exclude other congenital diseases
Management and Treatment of Neonatal conjunctivitis (see flow chart 12.8)