neonatal conjunctivitis
Conjunctival inflammation in newborns within first month of life, requiring urgent evaluation for infectious causes.
Full Definition
Neonatal conjunctivitis, also known as ophthalmia neonatorum, refers to any conjunctival inflammation occurring in infants younger than one month of age. The condition can be caused by chemical irritation from eye prophylaxis, bacterial pathogens (particularly Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis), or viral agents. Gonococcal conjunctivitis is a medical emergency due to risk of corneal perforation, while chlamydial infection may indicate concurrent pneumonia. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are essential.
Usage
Usage note: Specify 'neonatal' to distinguish from conjunctivitis in older infants; age cutoff is typically 30 days.
In Context
- "Neonatal conjunctivitis presenting on day 3 of life raised concern for gonococcal infection." — Neonatal intensive care note
- "All cases of neonatal conjunctivitis require culture and sensitivity testing to guide treatment." — Treatment protocol