Newborn eye ointment

Research on newborn eye ointment concerns prophylaxis against ophthalmia neonatorum, an eye infection in newborns. A systematic review looks at interventions for preventing ophthalmia neonatorum, and other papers ask whether azithromycin eye drops could be used for gonococcal prophylaxis in the United States. A recent paper re-examines neonatal erythromycin prophylaxis policy in light of advances in sexually transmitted infection screening, antenatal treatment and antibiotic resistance.

National and regional papers describe practice and policy. Surveys and position statements cover antibiotic prophylaxis in Italy, a multi-professional survey gives a snapshot of prophylaxis in Brazil, and a cost-effectiveness analysis looks at universal prophylaxis in Ontario. A historical paper explores ophthalmia neonatorum, Helen Keller and the social dimensions of eye disease, and a clinical table summarizes management for ruptured membranes by gestational age.

Parents commonly ask why ointment is put in a baby's eyes, whether it is required, how it affects early bonding and vision, and what the alternatives are. Policies differ between countries, and the research continues to ask how they should reflect current screening and treatment.

An educator may want slides to explain the purpose of the ointment and note that practice varies by place. The papers listed below are the ones the Hub tracks on this topic.