Group B streptococcal infection in neonates: An 11 - year review

Man Yau Ho, Chang Teng Wu, Yung Ting Ku, F. U.Yuan Huang, Chun Chih Peng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Group B Streptococcal (GBS) infection is an important cause of infant morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence, clinical characteristics, mortality and complications of this infection. From 1985 through 1995, 66 infants with early onset disease (EOD) and 23 infants with late onset disease (LOD) were treated at Mackay Memorial Hospital (MMH). The occurence rate of EOD was 3.26-10.08/1000 admissions. The incidence of the disease was 0.11-1.39/1000 live births. Of the 66 EOD infants, 24 (36%) were preterm infants. There were 33 (50%) infants in EOD category with respiratory distress and 40 (60%) infants with sepsis. Among the 23 LOD infants, 3 (13%) were preterm infants. There were 6 (13%) infants in LOD category with respiratory distress and 16 (69%) with sepsis. Nine (13%) EOD infants and 14 (60%) LOD infants had meningitis. Leukopenia occurred in 24 (36%) EOD infants and 5 (21%) LOD infants. Twelve (18%) EOD infants and 9 (39%) LOD infants had a history of prolonged rupture of membrane (PROM). The mortality rate was 14% in EOD and 4% in LOD infants. Four (17%) LOD infants developed neurological seguelae. Clinically, EOD infants were often premature and prone to develop sepsis, respiratory distress and leukopenia, while LOD often presented with meningitis and sepsis. Our estimated occurrence rate and incidence of EOD were similar to the European estimates. The infuence of prenatal measures on EOD and the meaning of PROM on LOD need further evaluation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)83-86
Number of pages4
JournalActa Paediatrica Taiwanica
Volume40
Issue number2
Publication statusPublished - Dec 1 1999

Keywords

  • Early onset disease
  • Group B streptococcal infection
  • Late onset disease
  • Neonates

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Group B streptococcal infection in neonates: An 11 - year review'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this