[Effect of the place of birth on mortality and morbidity of the early form of group B streptococcal infection in newborn infants of normal weight].

In a retrospective analysis, 23 newborns (birth weight more than 2000 g) with early-onset group B streptococcal disease were studied. 13 babies had been born in another hospital and were subsequently transferred; these were compared with 10 infants from an adjacent perinatal centre. A paediatrician was present at the birth of the last group of infants, but only once at the birth of a baby born in a hospital not attached to our centre. At admission, the infants transferred from outside, were significantly more distressed, 5 infants died, whereas all infants of the second group survived. Although maternal risks or early signs of sepsis were present in 4 of the 5 decreased cases were in a state of septic shock at admission. To improve the neonatal outcome, the obstetrician must recognise the maternal risk factors, know the clinical picture of neonatal sepsis, and judge the symptoms accordingly. After basic diagnostic studies have been performed, intravenous penicillin must be administered and a qualified transfer to a neonatal intensive care unit must be arranged. Prevention of neonatal group B streptococcal disease is discussed.