Comparison of Bethadine solution and Erythromycin ointment in prophylaxis of Ophthalmia neonatarum

Background: Neonatal conjunctivitis (Ophthalmic neonatarum) continues to cause blindness due to the unusefulness of agents used prophylactically in preventing this condition. Prepared povidone-iodine ophthalmic solution is an effective antibacterial and antiviral agent. Objective: To evaluate and compare betadine solution 1% and erythromycin ointment 0.5% in prophylaxis of ophthalmic neonatarum. Methods: Through a masked and prospective clinical trail, 300 infants born in Shahid Khani hospital of Kashan were studied. About 30 minutes after birth, 100 newborns received betadine solution 1% (Group I), 100 newborns received 1cm erythromycin eye ointment 0.5% (Group II) and 100 newborns received no treatment (Group III). All neonates were followed up for one month. Findings: Rate of neonatal conjunctivitis was 9%, 12% and 34% in group I, II, III respectively (P<0.0001). No ocular side-effect of medications was seen in groups I and II. Conclusion: Ophthalmic solution of betadine (1%) as a prophylaxis against ophthalmic neonatarum is more effective than treatment with erythromycin ointment 0.5% or without treatment. Additionally, it has wider spectrum and less cost and no or minimal ocular toxicity.