Final answer:
Neonatal conjunctivitis, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum, includes gonococcal, chlamydial, and chemical types. These infections are treated with IV ceftriaxone, oral erythromycin, and saline washes, respectively, to prevent complications such as blindness.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neonatal conjunctivitis, or ophthalmia neonatorum, occurs in newborns as a result of exposure to infectious agents during childbirth. It's imperative to diagnose and treat this condition early to prevent serious complications such as corneal ulceration or even blindness. The three main types of neonatal conjunctivitis are:
- Gonococcal conjunctivitis, which appears 2-5 days post-delivery and is treated with IV ceftriaxone.
- Chlamydial conjunctivitis, which manifests 5-14 days post-delivery and is treated with oral erythromycin.
- Chemical conjunctivitis, which occurs shortly after birth due to chemical irritants like silver nitrate and is managed with a saline wash.
In order to prevent gonococcal conjunctivitis, antibacterial creams or drops, such as erythromycin, are routinely applied to all infants' eyes shortly after birth. The onset of the condition and appropriate treatments are crucial for containing the spread of the infection. Standard practice is the administration of antibiotic drops to prevent transmission of infectious diseases from mother to baby, especially those diseases capable of crossing the placental barrier (TORCH infections).
Bacterial cultures, Gram stain, and diagnostic biochemical or antigenic tests can identify the causative agents of neonatal conjunctivitis, aiding in providing the correct treatment. For viral conjunctivitis, which is commonly associated with adenoviruses, supportive care is the mainstay of treatment since antibiotic therapy is ineffective.