Neonatal Ophthalmitis
Neonatal Ophthalmitis Causes
Neonatal ophthalmitis is caused by an inflammation in the affected infant's eye. This inflammation may be due to a number of factors, including: chlamydial infection in a majority of known cases; chemical injury such as exposure to toxic antiseptics during delivery; and other forms of bacterial infections. In rare cases, gonorrhea infection may also be the causative factor.
Neonatal Ophthalmitis Definition
Neonatal ophthalmitis pertains to a discharge of pus from the eye of a newborn infant. It is also alternatively known as opthalmia neonatorum.
Neonatal Ophthalmitis Diagnosis
The sight of an eye discharge in a newborn is usually sufficient to diagnose neonatal ophthalmitis. Laboratory testing of maternal serum may be done to determine the specific cause of the condition.
Neonatal Ophthalmitis Symptoms and Signs
The primary symptom of neonatal ophthalmitis is pus coming out of a newborn's eye. These eye discharges usually last until the 21st day of birth, and then resolve either simultaneously or with proper treatment.
Neonatal Ophthalmitis Treatment
Neonatal ophthalmitis is treated with appropriate antibiotics. They are fairly treatable and resolve within several days from birth.