PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Schneider, G.
TI  - Silver nitrate prophylaxis
DP  - 1984 Aug 01
TA  - Canadian Medical Association Journal
PG  - 193--196
VI  - 131
IP  - 3
4099  - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/131/3/193.short
4100  - http://www.cmaj.ca/content/131/3/193.full
SO  - CMAJ1984 Aug 01; 131
AB  - In many countries the statutory use of silver nitrate prophylaxis as soon as possible after birth has recently been reviewed from both a human rights and a medical standpoint. It has been argued that silver nitrate does not prevent all cases of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum (GON) and that it causes chemical conjunctivitis, pain and visual impairment, which may interfere with parent-infant bonding. Furthermore, the low incidence of GON, better methods of prenatal diagnosis, and the availability of suitable alternative prophylactic medication and of effective methods of treatment of GON have prompted recommendations that alternative prophylaxis be legally allowed or that mandatory prophylaxis be eliminated altogether. This paper reviews the situation and provides updated recommendations.