Current status of Credé prophylaxis.
The time-honored practice of silver nitrate application to the eyes of newborns is compared to the use of antibiotics. Side effects, effectiveness, and clinical practicality in preventing ophthalmia neonatorum are considered. The inability of prophylactic agents to inhibit several serious pathogens that cause conjunctivitis of the newborn is a factor. Prenatal screening for venereal disease and close observation of the baby's eyes in the postpartum period are additional ways to decrease the incidence of ophthalmia neonatorum.
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009878:Ophthalmia Neonatorum / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012835:Silver Nitrate / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D012835:Silver Nitrate