Neonatal Conjunctivitis

The 3 Worst Causes of Neonatal Conjunctivitis











* Gonorrhea* Causes corneal ulcers and sepsis* Red flags* 1st week of life* Copious purulent drainage* Diagnose with cultures* Treatment* Cefotaxime (3rd generation cephalosporin)* Admit* Chlamydia* Occurs in 1st month of life* Treat with PO erythromycin* HSV* Can disseminate to the brain* Red flags* Mother tested positive (or had active lesions)* Vesicles on baby* Treatment* IV acyclovir* Admit











Other Causes of Conjunctivitis











* Viral/other bacterial* Treat with erythromycin ointment* Chemical conjunctivitis* Caused by eye drops given after birth* Dacryostenosis (closed eye ducts)* Watery eyes from tears not draining











Additional Reading











* Neonatal Conjunctivitis (CDC)