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Differential Diagnosis for a 17-Day-Old Female with Eye Discharge

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Neonatal Conjunctivitis (Chemical or Infectious): This is the most common cause of eye discharge in newborns, often resulting from exposure to prophylactic eye drops or infectious agents during birth. The age of the patient and the symptom of eye discharge align closely with this condition.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Blocked Tear Duct: A common condition in newborns where the tear duct is partially or completely blocked, leading to excessive tearing and discharge.
  • Viral Conjunctivitis: Can be caused by various viruses and is highly contagious, presenting with redness, itching, and discharge.
  • Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Caused by bacterial infection, it presents with purulent discharge and can be more severe than viral conjunctivitis.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Gonococcal Conjunctivitis: Although less common, it is a serious condition that can lead to corneal perforation and blindness if not treated promptly. It's crucial to consider this in the differential diagnosis due to its potential severity.
  • Chlamydial Conjunctivitis: Another serious infection that requires prompt treatment to prevent long-term vision problems.
  • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Keratoconjunctivitis: Can lead to serious complications, including corneal scarring and vision loss, making it critical not to miss this diagnosis.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Congenital Glaucoma: Presents with excessive tearing, photophobia, and eye enlargement, which can be mistaken for simple conjunctivitis or blocked tear ducts.
  • Dacryocystitis: An infection of the lacrimal sac, which can cause eye discharge and swelling, but is less common in neonates.
  • Retinoblastoma: A rare tumor of the retina that can present with leukocoria (white pupillary reflex) and, less commonly, with secondary signs like strabismus or eye discharge, though it's extremely rare to present with discharge alone.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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