How can we reduce neonatal sepsis after universal group B streptococcus screening?

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Neonatal Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Group B Streptococcus (GBS) remains a primary cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality.
• A decade after policy introduction, adherence to universal GBS screening is assessed.
• The study investigates if antibiotic timing in GBS carriers impacts neonatal sepsis incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• Determine adherence to the universal GBS screening policy.
• Evaluate the impact of antibiotic timing on neonatal sepsis in GBS carriers.
• Assess the relationship between GBS carrier status and neonatal sepsis.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of delivery records from Hong Kong Baptist Hospital in 2022.
• Inclusion of maternal GBS carrier status, antibiotic treatment details, and neonatal outcomes.
• Univariate statistics to analyze GBS carrier status and neonatal sepsis, stratified by delivery mode and antibiotic timing.

Main Results:

• Adherence to the universal GBS screening policy was 97%.
• GBS-positive mothers had a 5.45 times higher risk of neonatal sepsis compared to non-carriers.
• Antenatal antibiotics for Cesarean deliveries and intrapartum prophylaxis ≥4 hours for vaginal deliveries reduced neonatal sepsis risk by 70% and 71%, respectively.

Conclusions:

• Antenatal antibiotics before Cesarean section and intrapartum prophylaxis ≥4 hours before vaginal delivery can decrease neonatal sepsis risk in term neonates from GBS carriers.