Evaluation of Sodium Sulphacetamide drops in the Treatment of Ophthalmia Neonatorum

Abstract

Summary : Sodium sulphacetamide eye drops had been used successfully in the past in the treatment of ophthalmia neonatorum (ON) but its use has decreased remarkably in recent time. The efficacy of 10 per cent sodium sulphacetamide eye drops in the treatment of ON was prospectively evaluated in 68 neonates seen in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit over a period of six months. Ex cluded from the study were babies with suspected gonococcal ON, and those who required systemic antibiotics for the treatment of associated sepsis. The eye drops were instilled for one week if by 72 hours of use, clinical response was achieved, otherwise another ophthalmic agent was used. Ninety seven per cent of the neonates had clinical cure. It is concluded that sodium sulphacetamide may be a useful first line eye drop in the treatment of ON.