Need for Intrapartum Antibiotic Prophylaxis in Women with Prior History of Group B Streptococcus Carriage

Abstract

The incidence of early onset neonatal GBS(EOGBS) disease in the UK and Ireland is 0.57/1000 births. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) reduces the risk. Previous colonisation is associated with 50% carriage in the current pregnancy. In these women, RCOG recommends IAP with a history of neonatal infection, otherwise offering the option of screening at 35-37 weeks. In Ireland, there is no national consensus on IAP in prior GBS colonisation. Currently at University Hospital Waterford (UHW), all women with prior GBS colonisation receive IAP. Studies examining the use of point-of-care testing have shown reduction in the use of IAP and EOGBS rates. We aimed to examine the screening and IAP administration in maternal prior GBS colonisation and the incidence of GBS in this cohort in UHW. Data was collected retrospectively from laboratory, medical records and electronic patient manager systems. Women who received IAP between 1stJuly 2020 and 31stDecember 2020 were identified. Women who received IAP for current and prior GBS colonisation were included. Women who received IAP for preterm labour, preterm prelabour rupture of membranes and pyrexia in labour were excluded. Ninety-two women with current or prior GBS colonisation received IAP, of which only 15(16.30%) were current and 77(83.69%) were prior GBS colonisation. In women with prior GBS colonisation, 49(63.63%) were screened, 3/49(6.12%) were positive, 28 were not screened. Seventy-eight (84.78%) received benzyl-penicillin. Six (6.52%) received clindamycin. Twenty-two (23.91%) babies were admitted to the Neonatal Unit, however, only one cultured positive for gram-positive cocci. The incidence of EOGBS in this cohort is low. A risk-based approach or point-of-care testing should be considered to reduce unnecessary IAP administration.