Ophthalmia neonatorum--the Middle Road Hospital perspective

In a retrospective study of ophthalmia neonatorum seen in Middle Road Hospital between 1983 and 1986, 68% were caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. 40% of the Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates were PPNG strains. For therapy of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum, 1% kanamycin eyedrops combined with a single intramuscular injection of kanamycin or a third generation Cephalosporin (Ceftriaxone or Cefotaxime) were all effective regimens. The use of intramuscular kanamycin was stopped because of concern for ototoxicity. Chlamydia trachomatis remains an uncommon cause of ophthalmia neonatorum in Singapore, in only 2 cases was this agent identified.