06.03.2018 - By Zack Olson, MD and Michael Estephan, MD
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)