Neonatal septicemia due to group B streptococci--perinatal risk factors and outcome of subsequent pregnancies

All cases of early onset group B streptococcal (GBS) septicemia in infants born at Karolinska Hospital 1975-1986 were reviewed. GBS-septicemia was diagnosed in 40 infants within the first five days of life. The incidence was 1.24 per 1000 births. Fifty-five percent of the infants were preterm and 48% were born more than or equal to 12 hours after rupture of membranes. Prematurity and/or prolonged rupture of membranes were present in 83% of all neonates with fatal outcome. Case fatality was 22%. Deliveries by both cesarean section (31%) and vacuum extraction (26%) were increased in the mothers when compared to an overall incidence of 14 and 12% (p less than 0.01). Twenty-four (89%) of 27 mothers had low type specific IgG antibodies against the infecting GBS-serotype. Late onset GBS-septicemia was diagnosed in only two infants during the period. Seventeen mothers went through 24 subsequent pregnancies. In 11 of those the mothers were colonized with GBS and 10 received penicillin prophylaxis during pregnancy and/or delivery. None of the infants born after prophylaxis were colonized with GBS. Two were born prematurely and all had an uneventful course; whereas one infant delivered at 26 weeks gestation of a colonized untreated mother died of GBS-septicemia. Screening of parturients at risk and selective antibiotic prophylaxis may help to prevent early onset GBS-septicemia.     

Neonatal protection and preterm birth reduction following maternal group B streptococcus vaccination in a mouse model

Purpose: Evaluate effects of maternal immunization in a mouse model of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) vaginal colonization using clinical isolates.

Materials and methods: Female pregnant mice were immunized with heat-killed GBS 21 days before pregnancy and were inoculated intravaginally with GBS cultures (5?×?10⁷ CFU twice a day for three days) from the 16th day of pregnancy. Gestation period and mice survival were monitored. Maternal anti-GBS IgG levels have been determined by ELISA analysis in vaccinated, unvaccinated mothers and newborns.

Results: Maternal immunization before pregnancy provided protection to newborns for three of the four GBS strains used. Evaluation of the immunogenicity showed that this vaccination induced higher levels of IgG in vaccinated compared to unvaccinated dams and the presence of antibodies in the offspring at embryonic and postnatal age, and a Th1 response and high levels of IgG2a subclass antibody and IFN-γ were detected. A significant reduction of preterm births was observed in vaccinated mothers (pConclusions: Our finding suggest that vaccinated mothers could protect their progeny from GBS infection and preterm birth through passive immunization. The proposed mouse model may represent a noninvasive and effective tool to investigate pathogenetic mechanisms of GBS ascending infection and for vaccine protection studies.     

孕妇及新生儿体内B组链球菌Ⅲ型特异性IgG抗体水平的研究

目的　测定一组孕妇及其新生儿体内 B组链球菌 (GBS) 型特异性 Ig G抗体的水平 ,初步探讨国内新生儿 GBS感染的发生率较低的原因。　方法　随机选取 10 2例孕妇 ,取其静脉血及新生儿脐血测定 GBS 型特异性抗体含量 ,取 6 2例 1周龄以内的新生儿及 32例 2个月～ 13岁的健康查体儿童的静脉血作为对照 ,也测定该抗体含量 ;抗体检测方法为酶联免疫试验 (EL ISA )。　结果　本组孕妇 GBS 型特异性 Ig G抗体的平均水平为 2 1.5 9mg/ L ,新生儿脐血该抗体的平均水平为 17.90 mg/ L ,二者存在相关性 (r=0 .83,P<0 .0 5 ) ,后者随孕周增加而增加 ;小于 1周龄的新生儿该抗体平均水平为 14.75 mg/ L ,2个月～ 13岁儿童该抗体平均水平为 10 .75 mg/ L ,四组之间差异有显著性 ,并逐渐下降 (P<0 .0 5 )。　　结论　 (1)所测值绝大多数大于 2 m g/ L这个被初步认为能起保护作用的水平 ,并且明显高于欧美国家 ,提示由于国内孕妇天然获得的抗体水平较高 ,对新生儿 GBS感染提供保护作用 ,这可能是我国新生儿感染发生率低的原因之一。 (2 )新生儿体内该抗体来源于母体 ,随年龄增加而降低。(3)新生儿脐血中该抗体含量与母亲产前静脉血含量密切相关 ,且随孕周的增加而增加。提示 Ig G型抗体经胎盘的主动转运与孕周相关 ,早     

Recolonization of group B Streptococcus (GBS) in women with prior GBS genital colonization in pregnancy

Objective: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the incidence of women with prior GBS genital colonization who have recolonization in subsequent pregnancies. Methods: This is a retrospective, cohort study of patients with a prior GBS genital colonization in pregnancy and a subsequent pregnancy with a recorded GBS culture result, from January 2000 through June 2007. Documentation of GBS status was through GBS culture performed between 35 to 37 weeks gestation. Exclusion criteria included pregnancies with unknown GBS status, patients with GBS bacteriuria, women with a previous neonate with GBS disease and GBS finding prior to 35 weeks. Data was analyzed using SPSS 15.0. The sample proportion of subjects with GBS genital colonization and its confidence interval were computed to estimate the incidence rate. Logistic regression was performed to assess potential determinants of GBS colonization. Regression coefficients, odds ratios and associated confidence intervals, and p-values were reported, with significant results reported. Results: There were 371 pregnancies that met the test criteria. There were 151 subsequent pregnancies with GBS genital colonization and 220 without GBS recolonization. The incidence of GBS recolonization on patients with prior GBS genital colonization was 40.7% (95% confidence interval 35.7–45.69%). The incidence rate for the sample was significantly larger than 30% (p < .001), which is the estimated incidence rate for all pregnant women who are GBS carriers regardless of prior history. Conclusion: These results suggest that patients with a history of GBS are at a significantly higher risk of GBS recolonization in subsequent pregnancies.     

Is group B streptococcal screening during pregnancy justified?

Twenty-eight per cent of women investigated during pregnancy were carriers of group B streptococci (GBS). The use of broth enrichment was the most significant factor in determining GBS carriage rates. GBS carriage decreased during pregnancy. Transmission of GBS from mother to baby was related to vaginal carriage but rectal carriage in pregnancy was the best predictor of maternal carriage at term. Rectal and vaginal swabs taken at 28 and 36 weeks correctly predicted 92% of intrapartum GBS carriage. Although accurate prediction of intrapartum GBS carriage is possible, mass screening for GBS in pregnancy is unlikely to be cost-effective in those countries with a low incidence of neonatal GBS sepsis.     

Is group B streptococcal screening during pregnancy justified?

Summary. Twenty-eight per cent of women investigated during pregnancy were carriers of group B streptococci (GBS). The use of broth enrichment was the most significant factor in determining GBS carriage rates. GBS carriage decreased during pregnancy. Transmission of GBS from mother to baby was related to vaginal carriage but rectal carriage in pregnancy was the best predictor of maternal carriage at term. Rectal and vaginal swabs taken at 28 and 36 weeks correctly predicted 92% of intrapartum GBS carriage. Although accurate prediction of intrapartum GBS carriage is possible, mass screening for GBS in pregnancy is unlikely to be cost-effective in those countries with a low incidence of neonatal GBS sepsis.     

Evaluation of women's worries in different strategies for the prevention of early onset group B streptococcal disease in neonates

ObjectiveEarly onset group B streptococcal (EOGBS) disease is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. EOGBS preventive strategies aim to reduce the risk of neonatal complications. Two new strategies to prevent EOGBS were implemented in two regions in the Netherlands: a risk-based and a combination strategy and were compared to the Dutch strategy in a third region. Little is known how women feel about preventive EOGBS strategies, the consequences for management during labour, side effects such as harm caused by over prescribing of antibiotics or anxiety caused by screening. Women's worries in pregnancy overall and on women's worries related to GBS regarding the different strategies were explored.MethodsDesign - Setting - Participants - Interventions (if appropriate) - Before implementation of the two new strategies, all three regions worked according to the Dutch strategy. Women completed the Cambridge worry scale and a newly developed worry scale aimed to detect GBS related worries at 35 weeks of pregnancy before (T0) and after (T1) implementation of new strategies. Analyses were performed to test whether women's overall worries in pregnancy and their GBS related worries differed between the three strategies.Measurements and findingsIn total 1369 women participated, 519 before implementation (T0) and 850 during implementation (T1) of EOGBS preventive strategies. Mean overall worries in pregnancy and GBS related worries were low during the whole study period in all three regions. No differences were found in total mean GBS related worries between the three strategies during implementation (T1). When looking at the combined 10% highest CWS and/or GBS related worries during implementation the adjOR were 1.94 (95% CI 1.21–3.12) for the combination strategy, 2.09 (95% CI 1.42–3.08 for primiparity and 6.37 (95% CI 2.98–13.60) for having a different country of origin.Key conclusionsOverall women had minor GBS related worries in all EOGBS preventive strategies. Implementation of the combination strategy, primiparity and having a different country of origin are associated with the highest levels of overall worries in pregnancy and GBS related worries.Implications for practiceThe low level of women's worries combined with limited effects and cost effectiveness of the three strategies suggests that the strategy with the least costs and lowest antibiotic use should be implemented. A more tailored approach seems needed to address the specific needs of primiparous women and of women from different countries of origin when implementing the combination strategy.     

Detection of type-specific group B streptococcal antibody by indirect immunofluorescence and prevention of vertical transmission by antibiotic therapy

Seventy-six (13.6%) of 558 third trimester pregnant women had positive vaginal Group B Streptococcal (GBS) colonization. Among these colonizing GBS, 17 (22.4%) of 76 reacted positively to type Ia serum, 6 (7.9%) to type Ib serum, 2 (2.6%) to type II serum, and 23 (30.3%) to type III serum respectively, whereas 22 (28.9%) lacked these heat stable antigens when examined by the agglutination method. Persistence of the colonization of GBS was observed only in 4 (9.9%) out of 44 ampicillin-treated women whereas 65 (86.7%) out of 75 cases in the non-treated group. The colonization rates of GBS in infants born to carrier mothers were 37.5% in the non-treated group and 7.4% in the ampicillin treated group. The levels of ampicillin concentration in cord sera and amniotic fluids were maintained over the MIC of GBS for 7 hours after the drug administration. Type-specific antibodies were assayed by indirect immunofluorescence in both maternal and cord sera. In 58(87%) of 67 cases antibodies to type Ia, in 15(27%) of 55 cases to type II, and in 28(42%) of 67 cases to type III were detected in the maternal sera. No antibody to type Ia was detected in a mother who had an affected infant with the same type of GBS. In cord sera, antibody titres of a premature infant and a low-birth-weight infant were lower than those of their mothers.     

Bacteruria with group-B streptococcus: is it a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes?

Objective: To investigate pregnancy outcomes of patients with and without group-B streptococcus (GBS) bacteriuria. Methods: A retrospective study comparing pregnancy outcomes of women with GBS bacteriuria during pregnancy, those with positive GBS vaginal cultures and those without GBS colonization during pregnancy was conducted. Results: A significant linear association was found with regard to intrapartum fever (U-GBS 0.5%, V-GBS 0.3%, no GBS 0.1%, p?=?0.001) and chorioamnionitis (U-GBS 3.3%, V-GBS 1%, no GBS 0.7%, p?=?0.001). In addition preterm delivery (15.3% vs. 7.9%, p?=?0.001) and premature rupture of membranes (10.7% vs. 7.9, p?=?0.001) were significantly higher in the U-GBS group compared to no GBS. Woman with U-GBS had higher rates of diabetes mellitus, hypertensive disorders, and habitual abortions as well as a higher risk for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In addition patients with U-GBS underwent induction of labor and cesarean delivery more frequently. Conclusions: Our study showed a significant association between U-GBS and adverse obstetrical outcomes. In addition a linear association was found between GBS culture location and obstetric complications. However, GBS was not associated with adverse perinatal outcome in our population.     

Risk factors for recurrence of group B streptococcus colonization in a subsequent pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: To document rates of recurrent group B streptococci (GBS) colonization in women with previous GBS colonization in an initial pregnancy and to assess maternal risk factors associated with recurrence. METHODS: A retrospective, longitudinal study was performed in a teaching hospital on women with GBS colonization who were pregnant between 2002 and 2006 and had at least one subsequent pregnancy during the same time period. When only the index and first subsequent pregnancy were analyzed, the cohort included 251 women. The rate of recurrence was estimated for GBS colonization in the pregnancy after the index pregnancy for GBS colonization. Multivariable regression models were constructed to model recurrence of GBS colonization in a subsequent pregnancy as functions of potential predictors to estimate relative risks and confidence intervals. RESULTS: The rate of recurrence of GBS colonization in the pregnancy subsequent to the index pregnancy was 38.2% (95% confidence interval 33.5-42.9%). Multivariable regression models showed that the time interval between the two pregnancies and the intensity of GBS colonization from the index pregnancy were predictive of recurrent GBS colonization. CONCLUSION: More than one third of women had recurrent GBS colonization in a subsequent pregnancy. These findings should assist clinicians in counseling women with GBS colonization about their risk for recurrence, the importance of appropriate prenatal GBS screening in a subsequent pregnancy, and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for unknown GBS status.     

Colonization with group B streptococcus in pregnant women taken into the care of unit K and hospitalized in the department of obstetric pathology]

Colonization with group B streptococci (GBS) in 714 pregnant women was investigated. Among 232 were hospitalised in department of pathological pregnancy and 512 were under ambulatory control. In 13.4% of hospitalised patients and 2.8% healthy pregnant women the colonization of vagina or throat with GBS was stated. The greatest percentage of vagina colonization was found in patients hospitalised in connection with gestosis or because of abortions, premature delivery and inanimate fetus. No correlation was found between range of GBS colonization and trimester of pregnancy. Almost all GBS strains proved to be susceptible for commonly used antibiotics but resistant to biseptol (88.2%). Patients of hospitalised group were more often colonized not only GBS but also other potentially pathogenic microorganisms.     

Treatment outcome in women suffering from recurrent miscarriages and antiphospholipid syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of treatment in patients suffering from recurrent spontaneous abortion and antiphospholipid syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 148 observed women suffering from recurrent abortion with presence of lupus anticoagulant antibodies (LA) and/or high moderate concentration of anticardiolipin antibodies (ACA) have been divided randomly into followed three treated groups: I--56 patients treated by low-dose of acetylsalicylic acid (LDA, 75 mg daily); II--39 patients treated by low molecular weight heparin (applied in dose of 20 g daily); III--53 patients treated by LDA and low molecular weight heparin simultaneously. RESULTS: It has been affirmed that coincidental application of low-dose of acetylsalicylic acid and low molecular weight heparin statistically more often increase the percentage of successful pregnancy in comparison with application of low molecular weight heparin or acetylsalicylic acid alone. In the group where only low-dose of acetylsalicylic acid was applied the success of pregnancy equaled 89.3%, in the group where only low molecular weight heparin was applied the successful pregnancy equaled 81.1% and in the group with acetylsalicylic acid and low molecular weight heparin being applied together the successful pregnancy equaled 92.5%. In has simultaneously been affirmed that the percentage of pregnancy loss is statistically higher in the women suffering from isolated occurrence of lupus anticoagulant antibodies (21.2%) in comparison with the women suffering from occurrence of anticardiolipin antibodies (6.7%) and anticardiolipin antibodies with lupus anticoagulant antibodies simultaneously. CONCLUSION: 1. Simultaneous application of low-doses of acetylsalicylic acid and low molecular weight heparin seems to be the best solution in patients suffering from recurrent spontaneous abortion and antiphospholipid syndrome. 2. The occurrence of anticardiolipin antibodies in the serum of blood in patients suffering from antiphospholipid syndrome is a better foretelling factor for the future pregnancy outcome than the occurrence of lupus anticoagulant antibodies.     

Anticardiolipin antibodies in ectopic pregnancies

BACKGROUND: Anticardiolipin auto-antibodies are known to be inflicted in recurrent pregnancy losses and other adverse outcomes of pregnancy. However, their role in extrauterine pregnancies is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To clarify the association between anticardiolipin antibodies and extrauterine pregnancies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: About 30 patients with ectopic pregnancies confirmed histologically and 40 control subjects with intrauterine pregnancies were studied. Mean duration of pregnancy was 38 and 39 days, respectively. Serum levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies against cardiolipin were measured. In addition, measurements of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta hCG) and progesterone were made. RESULTS: Mean levels of IgA and IgM but not IgG antibodies were significantly higher in patients with ectopic pregnancies than in normal pregnant women. Distribution frequency histograms revealed that a subgroup of ectopic pregnancies exhibit antibody titers corresponding to that of intrauterine pregnancies, and others showing elevated levels. Markedly elevated antibody levels were observed in patients having low levels of beta hCG and/or progesterone. CONCLUSION: In view of the inflammatory events associated with some cases of ectopic pregnancies, elevated levels of anticardiolipin auto-antibodies may give clues to pathogenesis. Determination of IgM antibodies may help discriminate ectopic pregnancies with auto-immune pathogenesis from those caused by other factors.     

Maternal anxiety about prenatal screening for group B streptococcus disease and impact of positive colonization results

OBJECTIVE: Universal screening for colonization by group B streptococcus (GBS) is the recommended strategy to reduce incidence of colonization in newborns and prevent neonatal GBS-related disease. This study was designed to assess maternal anxiety levels about prenatal screening and psychological impact of positive colonization test results. METHODS: A total of 71 women who screened positively for GBS colonization and 112 screen-negative women (controls) were recruited. Anxiety levels were measured by the Spielberger State Trait-anxiety Inventory just before the GBS screening test, 1-week after testing, and 1-week after delivery. After delivery of their infants, all participants were asked to respond with a Likert scale line about attitudes toward being tested for GBS colonization. RESULTS: Women with GBS colonization reported significantly greater psychological distress on state-anxiety scores after the full report was received. The trait- and state-anxiety scores before GBS screen testing and after delivery did not differ between the groups. Both groups of women were strongly positive about being screened for GBS in the current pregnancy and in future pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Women with GBS colonization did not have a sustained increase in anxiety; therefore, clinician concerns about causing maternal anxiety should not be an impediment to test for GBS.     

Biodegradable microspheres containing group B Streptococcus vaccine: immune response in mice.

OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to show the feasibility of producing a group B Streptococcus (GBS) vaccine, which is capable of producing both a local IgA immune response at the mucosal surface where GBS is colonized and a humoral IgG response, which is capable of transplacental passive immunization. STUDY DESIGN: Inactivated GBS antigen was microencapsulated in poly (D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLG) with a water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion technique. Immunostimulatory synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides containing cytidine-phosphate-guanosine (CpG) motifs were coencapsulated as a potent adjuvant. The ICR strain of mouse was used in these studies. Female mice with normal immune systems were immunized with the PLG microparticles containing GBS type III polysaccharide (GBS PS) vaccine and CpG adjuvant (PLG/GBS/CpG) via the oral, vaginal, or nasal routes or by the intramuscular or intraperitoneal routes. Booster doses were administered 4 weeks after the initial immunization. Vaginal washings and blood samples were obtained 3 weeks after the booster dose and examined for both IgG and secretory IgA (sIgA) GBS antibodies with the use of an enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay method. RESULTS: PLG/GBS/CpG microparticles elicited a significantly higher GBS antibody response when compared with nonencapsulated GBS antigen or PLG-encapsulated GBS PS vaccine without the addition of the CpG adjuvant. IgG and secretory IgA (sIgA) antibodies to GBS antigen were documented in both the vaginal washings and blood samples. CONCLUSION: Preliminary findings indicate that this novel PLG/GBS/CpG vaccine elicited both IgA and IgG antibody responses to the GBS PS antigen studied. This antibody response may provide both protection against maternal GBS colonization and passive transplacental immunization for the fetus and neonate.     

Antiphospholipid antibodies and pregnancy rates and outcome in in vitro fertilization patients

Objective: To determine the relationship between antiphospholipid antibodies and pregnancy rates (PRs) and outcome among IVF patients.

Design: Prospective collection of all serum samples with assays for immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, and IgM antibodies for anticardiolipin, antiphosphatidyl serine, antiphosphatidyl ethanolamine, antiphosphatidyl choline, antiphosphatidyl inositol, antiphosphatidyl glycerol, and anti-phosphatidic acid being done following completion of all treatment cycles.

Setting: A tertiary care teaching hospital.

Patient(s): Seven hundred ninety-three patients attempting to conceive through IVF.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Pregnancy rates (PRs) and pregnancy loss rates relative to each of the various antiphospholipid antibodies that were measured.

Result(s): There were 528 pregnancies for an overall PR of 66%. Pregnancy rates were equal among patients with positive and negative antiphospholipid antibodies for each of the 21 measured antibodies. Use of receiver operator characteristic curves and logistic regression further confirmed that there was no relationship between PRs or outcome based on antiphospholipid antibodies for any definable threshold value.

Conclusion(s): Elevated antiphospholipid antibody levels are not associated with any change in PRs or pregnancy loss rates in patients attempting to conceive through IVF.     

The effects of human insulin on antibody formation in pregnant diabetics and their newborns

We studied the immunogenicity of human insulin in 11 diabetic mothers and their newborns. Serum antibody formation was assayed by two different methods. Upon switching four patients from beef/pork insulin to human insulin, we found that elevated baseline antibody levels in three women decreased, in two to undetectable levels at term. The fourth patient had undetectable antibody levels at baseline and borderline levels at term. Only one of their four newborns had antibodies. Upon initiation of insulin treatment in another five diabetics without detectable antibodies at baseline, only two developed antibodies, and only one of their newborns developed antibodies. Two other patients, initially not on insulin, had baseline elevations of antibody that decreased with administration of human insulin; both of their newborns had antibodies. Overt diabetes evolved subsequently in both mothers after pregnancy. We conclude the following: 1) Upon transfer from beef/pork insulin to human insulin, mothers and their newborns show a decrease in insulin antibodies; 2) new patients initiated on insulin develop low levels of antibodies, if any, and their newborns also have low levels of antibodies if any; and 3) the decreased or absent immunogenicity of human insulin supports its use in pregnant diabetics.     

围生期孕妇生殖道B族链球菌耐药性变迁及血清型分布研究

目的：了解西安地区孕产妇生殖道B族链球菌（group B Streptococcus,GBS）的血清型分布特征及GBS对常规抗菌药物的耐药谱,为临床预防与治疗提供依据。方法：收集2015年1月—2017年12月在西北妇女儿童医院产科接受产前GBS筛查的孕晚期孕妇阴道拭子培养出的GBS共498株。采用多重聚合酶链反应（PCR）方法测定GBS血清型,并进行药物敏感性试验和表型筛查试验。结果：所有GBS分离株均对青霉素、头孢曲松、万古霉素、利奈唑胺敏感。GBS对红霉素、克林霉素及左氧氟沙星耐药率分别为76.7%、73.5%和58.0%,且红霉素的耐药率呈逐年上升趋势。表型为结构型耐药（cMLSB）的GBS菌株占红霉素耐药菌株的首位（88.2%）,而诱导型耐药（iMLSB）和M型耐药菌株仅占耐药株的5.5%和6.3%。最常见的血清型为Ⅲ型,其次为Ⅰa 型、Ⅴ型、Ⅰb 型、Ⅱ型和Ⅵ型。结论：①西安地区孕产妇生殖道GBS定植率与我国其他地区相似或略低;②血清型Ⅲ占主要地位;③红霉素、克林霉素、左氧氟沙星耐药率高于其他地区,且红霉素耐药率呈逐年上升趋势。     

Cost consequences of elimination of the routine group B streptococcus culture at a teaching hospital

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cost consequence of the elimination of routine Group B streptococcus (GBS) cultures in pregnancy utilizing risk factor assessment management recommendations of the Center for Disease Control. METHODS: This retrospective study cohort population included all delivering patients from June 1, 1996, to May 31, 1997, managed by the Morbidity Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) guidelines May 31, 1996, for GBS in pregnancy compared to the previous 29 months cohort from January 1, 1994, to May 31, 1996, managed with routine GBS cultures done at 35-37 weeks. RESULTS: Of the 7,681 culture management control cohort patients, there were four neonates with culture-positive GBS sepsis (1/1,900). The cost for detection of a single positive culture in an affected neonate was $8,627 ($34,509/4) and there were 2,875 personnel hours expended. In contrast, of the 2,011 patients in the risk factor management cohort, there were two cases of neonatal GBS sepsis ($111,005). The cost for detection of a positive culture in an affected neonate was $1,579 ($3,159/2) and there were 263 personnel hours expended in the risk factor management group. In spite of these significant laboratory savings, we noted a concurrent increase in the total cost in the newborn nursery for septic work-ups and treatment from $2.4 million to $3.1 million. CONCLUSION: Risk assessment management of GBS provided a savings of both money ($7,048/positive neonatal culture) and laboratory time (586 personnel hours/positive neonatal culture). However, these savings were more than offset by cost increases occurring in the newborn nursery ($400,000), demonstrating the necessity of practice patterns to undergo concurrent evaluation to verify cost savings and prevent shifting of expenses.     

Significance of group B streptococcus (GBS) infections in parturient women

OBJECTIVES: Maternal infections of group B streptococcus (GBS) has recently been associated with preterm labor and early onset of neonatal infections. DESIGN: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of GBS infections in parturient women, as well as, GBS infections influence on the pregnancy duration, cesarean section rate, birth weight and Apgar score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 701 cervical swabs were taken and cultured from pregnant women, who came to delivered to Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Silesian Medical School from 1st of January to 30th of September 2002. Results of cervical swabs cultures were clinically analyzed. Mann Whitney test was used to perform statistical analysis. RESULTS: In 23 of 701 women (3.3%) who were admitted to our department GBS infections were detected. In women with GBS, preterm birth and low birth weight, as well as, low Apgar score were more frequently observed. CONCLUSIONS: Positive--GBS infection cervical swabs was found in 23 of 701 parturient women (3.3%) who were admitted to our department. In women with GBS, higher preterm birth rate, as well as, higher cesarean section rate performed because of intrauterine infection were observed, but the differences were not statistically significant.