RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Silver nitrate prophylaxis
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 193
OP 196
VO 131
IS 3
A1 Schneider, G.
YR 1984
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/131/3/193.abstract
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.