From the Guidelines
Group B streptococcus (GBS) infection in newborns can cause severe complications, including early-onset sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, stillbirth, preterm birth, or neonatal death, emphasizing the need for preventive measures during pregnancy and labor. The most concerning complications typically develop within the first week of life and can have long-term effects on the newborn's health and quality of life. According to the most recent guidelines 1, pregnant women should be screened for GBS between 35-37 weeks of pregnancy, and those who test positive should receive intravenous antibiotics during labor to prevent the transmission of GBS to the newborn.
Some of the key complications associated with GBS infection in newborns include:
- Early-onset sepsis
- Pneumonia
- Meningitis
- Stillbirth
- Preterm birth
- Neonatal death These complications can be prevented or reduced with proper screening and treatment during pregnancy and labor. The recommended antibiotic regimen for GBS-positive pregnant women is penicillin G (5 million units IV initially, then 2.5-3 million units every 4 hours until delivery) or ampicillin (2g IV initially, then 1g every 4 hours) for penicillin-allergic patients without anaphylaxis risk, as stated in the guidelines 1 and updated in 1.
It is essential to note that the guidelines for GBS prevention have been updated over the years, with the most recent guidelines published in 2010 1. These guidelines emphasize the importance of universal screening for GBS colonization in pregnant women and the use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent early-onset GBS disease in newborns. By following these guidelines, healthcare providers can significantly reduce the risk of GBS transmission and related complications in newborns, ultimately improving their morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes.
From the FDA Drug Label
Bacterial Meningitis caused by E. coli, Group B Streptococci, and other Gram-negative bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes, N. meningitidis). There is no information in the provided drug label that directly describes the complications of Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection in newborns. The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Complications of Group B Streptococcus Infection in Newborns
- Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection can cause sepsis and meningitis in newborns 2, 3, 4
- Early-onset GBS infection can occur within the first 7 days of life, and late-onset infections can occur after 7 days of life 3, 4
- Complications of neonatal infection include:
- GBS infection can also lead to preterm delivery and low birth weight 6
- The risk of early neonatal GBS infection increases in cases of preterm delivery, maternal fever during delivery, and membrane rupture more than 18 hours before delivery 4
Prevention and Management of GBS Infection
- Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is the primary recommended approach to prevent perinatal GBS disease 2, 3, 4
- Penicillin, ampicillin, or cefazolin are recommended for prophylaxis, with clindamycin and vancomycin reserved for cases of significant maternal penicillin allergy 3
- Vaccination against GBS is being explored as an alternative method of prophylaxis, with potential benefits including coverage of both early and late-onset disease and reduced antibiotic resistance 5