Newborn conjunctivitis (or neonatal conjunctivitis) is an infection of the membrane surrounding the eyelids and the visible part of the eye. It occurs when the transparent membrane that keeps the eyes moist and protects them from external aggressions is inflamed. That is, when the "conjunctiva" is inflamed.
There are several types of conjunctivitis, but they all have some symptoms that are common. If we observe any of these signs, it is advisable to go to the pediatrician to assess what type of conjunctivitis is affecting the baby. The baby is not yet able to rub his eyes (something that older children will do), so we will have to look at other symptoms to recognize conjunctivitis.
Symptoms of conjunctivitis in the newborn
- Usually, whatever the cause, the eyelids and the white part of the eyes (conjunctiva) of the newborn become very inflamed.
- When the eyelid is separated, the pus outlet can be seen.
- Accumulation of abundant "legañas" after the dream, even getting to seal the eyes.
- Tearing of the eye.
- If the treatment is delayed, sores may form on the cornea that permanently damage your eyesight.
Causes of conjunctivitis
For identify the infectious organismThe doctor removes a sample of pus and examines it under a microscope or performs a culture. In most cases, neonatal conjunctivitis is contracted through the birth canal and the responsible organisms are, in general, the bacteria that usually inhabit the vagina, although it could also be of viral origin or with other causes.
- Clamydia, a small type of bacteria, is the most common cause of neonatal conjunctivitis (inclusion conjunctivitis). Conjunctivitis caused by Clamydia usually develops between 5 and 14 days after birth. The infection can be mild or severe and can produce varying amounts of pus.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae. Conjunctivitis caused by this bacterium can begin 4 to 21 days after birth and pus may or may not occur.
- Hemophilus influenzae. The onset of conjunctivitis and its effects are the same as in the previous case.
- Neisseria gonorrhoeae, bacteria that causes gonorrhea. Conjunctivitis caused by gonorrhea bacteria (gonococcal conjunctivitis) appears 2 to 5 days after birth, or even earlier if the membranes ruptured prematurely and the infection had time to begin before delivery. If the newborn's mother is known to have gonorrhea, the child receives an injection of the antibiotic ceftriaxone to prevent gonorrheal infection in the eyes and in any other part of the body.
They can also cause conjunctivitis the virus like adenovirus and herpes. Herpes simplex is the most common viral cause, and can infect only the eye or other parts of the body. In severe cases, a very dangerous infection that affects the entire body and brain can develop.
In addition, the newborn may suffer conjunctivitis due to the chemical products (They are seen mainly in the newborn after the use of eye medications to prevent other problems, when they react to these drops and may develop a chemical conjunctivitis) or allergies.
Treatment of conjunctivitis in the newborn
To the newborn a few drops or an antibiotic ointment is applied as prevention (of tetracycline, or silver nitrate, or polymyxin and bacitracin or also erythromycin) to protect against conjunctivitis. But nevertheless, None of the medications are always able to prevent Clamydia conjunctivitis.
Treatment, if conjunctivitis is confirmed, depends on the type of bacteria that caused the infection. Treatment usually includes antibiotic eye drops or ointments, warm compresses in the eye and proper hygiene when infected eyes are touched.
A herpes virus infection can be more serious and can cause scarring of the eye and loss of vision. The ophthalmologist may prescribe oral medications and eye drops or trifluridine ointment and with idoxuridine ointment. You may also be given antiviral drugs in case the virus has already spread to the brain and other organs or is about to.
The rest of viral conjunctivitis usually does not require treatment. The doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops, to help decrease the chance of a secondary infection.
Ointments with corticosteroids are not used in newborns because they can seriously worsen Clamydia infections and those caused by the herpes simplex virus.
In any case, and although conjunctivitis usually resolves without problems, parents will have to be alert to detect conjunctivitis in the newborn and start acting as soon as possible to avoid complications.
