Duration of antimicrobial prophylaxis for group B streptococcus in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes who are not in labor.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the duration of the time that is needed to eradicate group B Streptococcus (GBS) in pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

STUDY

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study was performed of pregnant women with PPROM from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2005. Vaginal/rectal cultures were performed on admission and repeated daily. Patients received antibiotics until cultures were negative for 3 consecutive days.

RESULTS

Two hundred fourteen women were identified with PPROM; 169 of the women met the inclusion criteria. Thirty-three patients were GBS positive on admission and had negative cultures by day 3. Neonatal sepsis occurred in 19 neonates (11.2%); 3 neonates (16%) were from mothers who tested positive for GBS on admission, and 16 neonates (84%) were from mothers who tested negative on admission. There were no cases of neonatal sepsis because of GBS.

CONCLUSION

A 3-day regimen of antibiotic prophylaxis appears to be adequate to eradicate GBS from the genital tract of patients with PPROM.