Ocular Prophylaxis for Gonococcal Ophthalmia Neonatorum: A Reaffirmation Evidence Update for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force [Internet]

Excerpt

Objective: To systematically review evidence regarding the benefits and harms of ocular prophylaxis for the prevention of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum to support the update of the USPSTF’s 2011 A recommendation for this topic.

Data Sources: We conducted a literature search of PubMed and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) from January 1, 2008, to January 16, 2018.

Study Selection: We screened 282 abstracts and 6 full-text articles against a priori inclusion criteria. We included studies conducted in countries categorized as “high” or “very high” on the Human Development Index.

Data Analysis: Two investigators independently critically appraised each article that met inclusion criteria using design-specific criteria.

Results: No new eligible studies were identified.

Limitations: Our review was designed to identify evidence that could result in a change in the 2011 USPSTF recommendation; therefore, it targeted only those studies in countries categorized as high or very high on the Human Development Index.

Conclusions: Ocular prophylaxis for the prevention of gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum is the standard of care in the United States. Foundational evidence in support of this practice included largely observational studies from developing countries over 2 decades ago demonstrating substantial reductions in GON incidence associated with prophylaxis. Our brief evidence update found no new evidence of the benefits or harms of ocular prophylaxis for gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum.