Prophylaxis for Gonococcal and Chlamydial Ophthalmia Neonatorum

Prepared by Richard B. Goldbloom, MD, FRCPC, Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University

These recommendations were finalized by the Task Force in September 1990

1. Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination: The periodic health examination, 1992 update: 4. Prophylaxis for gonococcal and chlamydial ophthalmia neonatorum. Can Med Assoc J 1992; 147: 1449-1454

2. Laga M, Plummer FA, Piot P, et al: Prophylaxis of gonococcal and chlamydial ophthalmia neonatorum. A comparison of silver nitrate and tetracycline. N Engl J Med 1988; 318: 653-657

3. Laga M, Meheus A, Piot P: Epidemiology and control of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum. Bull World Health Organ 1989; 67: 471-477

4. Lund RJ, Kibel MA, Knight GJ, et al: Prophylaxis against gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum. A prospective study. S Afr Med J 1987; 72: 620-622

5. Hammerschlag MR, Cummings C, Roblin PM, et al: Efficacy of neonatal ocular prophylaxis for the prevention of chlamydial and gonococcal conjunctivitis. N Engl J Med 1989; 320: 769-772

6. Hammerschlag MR, Chandler JW, Alexander ER, et al: Erythromycin ointment for ocular prophylaxis of neonatal chlamydial infection. JAMA 1980; 244: 2291-2293

7. Bell TA, Sandstrom KI, Gravett MG, et al: Comparison of ophthalmic silver nitrate solution and erythromycin ointment for prevention of natally acquired Chlamydia trachomatis. Sex Transm Dis 1987; 14: 195-200

8. Butterfield PM, Emde RN, Svejda MJ: Does the early application of silver nitrate impair maternal attachment? Pediatrics 1981; 67: 737-738

9. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Guide to Clinical Preventive Services: an Assessment of the Effectiveness of 169 Interventions. Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, Md, 1989: 147-150