A 5-day-old neonate develops bilateral purulent conjunctival discharge with eyelid swelling. Gram stain of the exudate shows Gram-negative intracellular diplococci. Which complication is this infection most feared for if untreated?
- A Corneal ulceration and perforation leading to blindness ✓
- B Congenital cataract
- C Retinopathy of prematurity
- D Optic nerve glioma
Correct answer: A. Corneal ulceration and perforation leading to blindness
Explanation
Gonococcal ophthalmia neonatorum typically presents within the first week of life after acquisition during passage through an infected birth canal. The purulent conjunctivitis progresses rapidly to corneal ulceration, perforation, and blindness, making it an ophthalmological emergency requiring systemic ceftriaxone plus frequent saline irrigation. Congenital cataract is associated with rubella, retinopathy of prematurity relates to oxygen therapy in preterm infants, and optic nerve glioma is linked to neurofibromatosis type 1.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.