Haemolacria: a case of pseudomembranous conjunctivitis in a neonate

BMJ Case Rep. 2020 Jun 30;13(6):e235110. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2020-235110.

Abstract

We report an unusual case of an 11-day-old neonate presenting with haemolacria on a background of sticky conjunctival discharge. This was secondary to Chlamydia pseudomembranous conjunctivitis which responded well to systemic erythromycin. Early appropriate treatment is important to prevent progression of the ophthalmic infection, which could lead to blindness, and to prevent other manifestations of neonatal chlamydial infection, particularly pneumonia, which could be fatal. Management also includes treating the mother and educating about sexually transmitted infections.

Keywords: chlamydia; infectious diseases; materno-fetal medicine; ophthalmology; sexual transmitted infections (bacterial).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Administration, Topical
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / administration & dosage
  • Chlamydia trachomatis / isolation & purification*
  • Conjunctivitis, Inclusion* / drug therapy
  • Conjunctivitis, Inclusion* / etiology
  • Conjunctivitis, Inclusion* / microbiology
  • Conjunctivitis, Inclusion* / physiopathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Erythromycin / administration & dosage*
  • Family Health
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases* / etiology
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases* / microbiology
  • Infant, Newborn, Diseases* / physiopathology
  • Male
  • Parents
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / drug therapy
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases* / physiopathology
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Erythromycin