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.
Lund
R J
RJ
Institute of Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town.
Kibel
M A
MA
Knight
G J
GJ
van der Elst
C
C
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