RANDOMISED TRIAL COMPARING TOPICAL POVIDONE-IODINE AND CHLORAMPHENICOL FOR THE PREVENTION OF NEONATAL CONJUNCTIVITIS

2004 newborns from three rural hospitals in a trachoma endemic area of Mexico were randomly assigned to receive either povidone-iodine 2.5% eye drops (PIED) (n  =  1024) or chloramphenicol eye drops (n  =  974). Infectious conjunctivitis was confirmed by laboratory methods, including polymerase chain reaction assay for Chlamydia trachomatis. During the first two days and after day 16, there was no significant difference in the incidence of bacterial conjunctivitis among groups. From day 3 to day 15 PIED was 6% less effective in preventing infectious conjunctivitis (p  =  0.01). In addition, C trachomatis conjunctivitis was greater in those receiving PIED (RR  =  1.99, log-rank p  =  0.029). Ramirez-Ortiz et al conclude that topical prophylaxis with PIED is insufficient as a prophylaxis against chlamydial conjunctivitis. …