Radiographic findings in early onset neonatal group b streptococcal septicemia

Chest roentgenograms obtained in the first two days of life from 67 infants with respiratory distress were reviewed to determine whether the radiographic features of group B streptococcal septicemia were diagnostic or distinctive. The retrospective review contained 24 infants with proven and 14 with suspected septicemia, as well as 29 patients with other causes of respiratory distress. The films were reviewed in random order by two pediatric radiologists without their prior knowledge of clinical or laboratory data. Typical radiographic appearance of pneumonia was present in only ten of the 24 proven and two of the 14 suspected cases of group B streptococcal sepsis. The radiographic pattern of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) was just as common among these patients. The most prominent associated radiographic feature of infants with proven septicemia was cardiomegaly which was significantly increased when compared with infants who had other causes of respiratory distress (P less than .001). X-ray recognition of neonatal group B streptococcal septicemia is limited because of superimposition of roentgen patterns probably related to associated disorders. Pediatrics, 59:1006-1011, 1977, NEWBRON, SEPTICEMIA, GROUP B STREPTOCOCCUS.