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Acute infectious conjunctivitis in childhood.
R Chawla1, J D Kellner, W F Astle
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Alberta Children's Hospital;
Paediatrics & Child Health
|January 20, 2010
Summary
Acute infectious conjunctivitis in children is common, often caused by bacteria like Haemophilus influenzae. Topical antibiotics effectively reduce symptoms, with inexpensive options like polymyxin/gramicidin being good choices.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Acute infectious conjunctivitis is a frequent pediatric condition post-newborn period.
- Common bacterial culprits include nontypable Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the causes, symptoms, and treatment of acute infectious conjunctivitis in children.
- To synthesize evidence on the efficacy of various management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of MEDLINE articles predating March 2000.
- Analysis of 24 clinical trials, with detailed summaries of 5 pediatric trials and brief summaries of 19 adult trials.
Main Results:
- Topical antibiotics significantly outperform placebo in alleviating conjunctivitis symptoms.
- Most topical antibiotic agents demonstrate comparable efficacy.
- Cost-effective, low-adverse-effect options like polymyxin/gramicidin are recommended first-line treatments.
Conclusions:
- Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are prevalent in children.
- Diagnostic microbiology is typically unnecessary for uncomplicated cases.
- Ophthalmologist referral is advised for diagnostic uncertainty or treatment failure.
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