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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)