Neonatal Conjunctivitis

Clinical Pathways promote evidence based, safe, and high-value care for patients by providing clinical recommendations and standard processes. They are developed by multidisciplinary committees of subject matter experts, informed by methodical review of available evidence and consensus among committee members.

Clinical Pathways:

• Neonatal Conjunctivitis Algorithm
• Neonatal Conjunctivitis- Treatment Algorithm
• Neonatal Conjunctivitis Synopsis (provides care standards employed for this clinical pathway)

Inclusion and exclusion criteria:

• Inclusion:
  • Patient is ≤ 28 days of age
  • Injected conjunctiva and
    • Mucopurulent discharge or hemorrhagic ocular discharge
  • Exclusion:
    • Patient is ≥ 29 days of age
    • Patient is febrile or ill appearing

Committee members involved in the development:

• Adrienne DePorre, MD | Hospital Medicine | Committee Chair
• Chris Day, MD | Infectious Diseases | Committee Member
• Erin Scott, DO | Emergency Department | Committee Member
• Jennifer Qayum, OD, FAAO | Ophthalmology | Committee Member
• Alaina Burns, Pharm.D., BCPPS | Pharmacy | Committee Member
• Kathleen Berg, MD, FAAP | Hospitalist, Evidence Based Practice
• Megan Gripka, MT (ASCP) SM | Evidence Based Practice

Publication dates:

• Finalized date: 07/2023
• Next expected revision date: 07/2026

If you have any questions regarding this content or identify a broken link, please email evidencebasedpractice@cmh.edu. 

These pathways do not establish a standard of care to be followed in every case. It is recognized that each case is different, and those individuals involved in providing health care are expected to use their judgment in determining what is in the best interests of the patient based on the circumstances existing at the time. It is impossible to anticipate all possible situations that may exist and to prepare a pathway for each. Accordingly, these pathways should guide care with the understanding that departures from them may be required at times.