PubMed · 1987 · 10 citations · 0 references
MedicineObstetricsOphthalmologyNeonatal HealthNeonatologyPediatric OphthalmologyNeonatal InfectionsNeonatal Infectious DiseasesNeonatal Ocular InfectionsOphthalmic OintmentsPediatric Eye DiseasePediatric Ocular InfectionsErythromycin Ointment ProphylaxisEye ProphylaxisGonococcal OphthalmiaNeonatal Eye DiseaseNeonatal Health Services UtilizationNeonatal Ophthalmia EpidemiologyOphthalmia NeonatorumSilver Nitrate Prophylaxis
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.