Prophylaxis against gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum. A prospective study.
The incidence of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum (GON) in the area served by the Peninsula Maternity and Neonatal Services in Cape Town is 273/100,000 live births. Two prophylactic agents, 1% silver nitrate ophthalmic solution and 0.5% erythromycin ophthalmic ointment, were introduced in routine eye care of the newborn in the main academic obstetric units. These agents resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of GON to 34/100,000 live births. The alternative forms of prophylaxis against GON are discussed and the need for reinstitution of prophylaxis is emphasised.
Institute of Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town.
R J
RJ
Lund
M A
MA
Kibel
G J
GJ
Knight
C
C
van der Elst
D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009878:Ophthalmia Neonatorum / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012835:Silver Nitrate / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013019:South Africa
D004917:Erythromycin; D012835:Silver Nitrate