Abstract
Background:Early onset group B streptococcal (GBS) disease can cause significant neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is currently no Irish national guideline for GBS screening, and protocols vary across maternity units. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing at induction or labour onset informs triage for antibiotic prophylaxis; however, there are human and infrastructural resource requirements to enable widespread implementation.Aim:Our aim was to identify current standard practices for GBS prevention in Irish obstetric and neonatal services and to utilise this data to inform the need for, and potential impact of implementation of, a national guideline.Methods:A questionnaire on GBS screening, management and existing resources was completed by an informed staff member from each of the 19 Irish maternity units, including questions regarding timing and method of screening, antibiotic usage, and neonatal management.Results:One unit (5.2%) performs routine GBS screening at 35–37 weeks of gestation. Twelve units (63%) screen for GBS following spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) after 37 weeks, of which two (17%) perform PCR and ten (83%) culture testing. Seventeen units (89.3%) have access to a GeneXpert PCR machine, and of these, two (11.7%) use the machine for rapid GBS testing. Two units screen patients for GBS at either the start of labour or induction of labour. Four units (21%) use the neonatal early onset sepsis (EOS) calculator. Sixteen units (84%) do not treat asymptomatic infants born to GBS-positive mothers. Conclusion:There is a lack of consistency in the methods for GBS screening and disease prevention across the country, highlighting the need for a national guideline accompanied by an implementation plan and budget to standardise care.
Highlights
Streptococcus agalactiae, or group B streptococcus (GBS), is a facultative gram-positive organism and a commensal organism of the gastrointestinal and genital tracts
Onset group B streptococcal (GBS) (EOGBS) disease, occurring from birth to day 6 of life, progresses rapidly, presenting with sepsis in 63% or pneumonia in 26%, whereas late onset GBS (LOGBS) disease occurs from days 7 to 90 of life, and can have a more indolent onset, causing meningitis in 43% or other focal infection in another 7% [4]
The aim of this study is to identify current standards of GBS screening and prevention across the 19 Irish maternity units, identify differences and similarities between units, and investigate the need for a national guideline and implementation programme
Summary
Streptococcus agalactiae, or group B streptococcus (GBS), is a facultative gram-positive organism and a commensal organism of the gastrointestinal and genital tracts. Onset group B streptococcal (GBS) disease can cause significant neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is currently no Irish national guideline for GBS screening, and protocols vary across maternity units. Aim: Our aim was to identify current standard practices for GBS prevention in Irish obstetric and neonatal services and to utilise this data to inform the need for, and potential impact of implementation of, a national guideline. Methods: A questionnaire on GBS screening, management and existing resources was completed by an informed staff member from each of the 19 Irish maternity units, including questions regarding timing and method of screening, antibiotic usage, and neonatal management. Conclusion: There is a lack of consistency in the methods for GBS screening and disease prevention across the country, highlighting the need for a national guideline accompanied by an implementation plan and budget to standardise care
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
