Prophylaxis of Neonatal Ophthalmia: Experience of the Private Medical Surgical Center Persis (CMCPP) in Ouahigouya
Abstract:
Introduction: Ophthalmia or neonatal conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva during the first 28 days of life. Prevention using the Crede method is recommended. The maternity unit of the Ouahigouya CMCPP offered to experiment with this prophylaxis by administering a drop of gentamycin 0.3% eye drops in the delivery room.
Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, carried out in the maternity ward from 24/02/2023 to 23/01/2024. The study included neonates born via the upper or lower route who had received a drop of gentamycin 0.3% eye drops in the delivery room. Resuscitated neonates and neonates with malformations were excluded.
Results: In one year, 1223 newborns were registered, 1218 of whom were included in the study, with a sex ratio of 1.08. The mean age of patients was 11 days, with extremes of one day and 24 days. During the study, 35 cases of neonatal conjunctivitis were recorded, representing a prevalence of 2.8% and an incidence rate of 0.001044 cases per person-day. There were 30 vaginal births and 5 caesarean sections. Secretions were purulent in 25% of cases and mucopurulent in 75%. Cases of conjunctivitis were treated locally with an antibiotic for one week, with favourable results in all cases. Sixty-four boxes of gentamycin were used instead of 1218, representing a 94.74% reduction in financial costs.
Conclusion: Prophylaxis of neonatal conjunctivitis by administering a drop of gentamycin 0.3% eye drops in the delivery room is an effective and efficient measure. Nationwide implementation could help reduce the cost of neonatal care in Burkina Faso.
