EM Clerkship

Neonatal Conjunctivitis

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

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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)

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