For those interested GBS-Group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) is a bacterial organism that normally resides in the vagina or lower intestine of "up to one third of healty women". Many people carry GBS in their bodies but do not become ill ( they become carriers). Babies born whose Mothers have this organism have a risk of infection with this organism -risk factors indicate/suggest Pre Labour ROM is significant, however other factors compound this ie vaginal examinations length of pre labour ROM. Some suggest immediate IOL. There is a considerable amount of discussion re management strategies. The Obs at the Base here choose to perform HVS @ 36/40 and Women who were +ve (or evidence of +ve urine culture, previous history of GBS in other preganancy) were actively managed with IV antibiotics in labour and their Babies had septic screening. A positive culture may show at any time in a pregnancy, unnecessary wide spread use of prophylactic antibiotics is definately a worldwide problem and evidence based practice is essential. In conjunction with this knowledge and the new research project to be overseen by the Mater Mothers Hospital in Brisbane - our policy is under review. The main concern in the latest research is that Women who experience Pre Labour ROM are at greater risk of infection as are their Newborn babies. Here may be a good time to just look at the quoted stats on the previous e-mail. It is difficult to try to summerise so much information hence the abbrev. a good source of information may be the Corchrane data base. As with everything it becomes so very difficult to give Women accurate research so they are able to chose what best suits their Family care, desires and possible outcomes of these choices. Nobody wants to see comprimised Babies or Mothers but care strategies may also include options of greater risks becomming evident before active prophylactic management ie fever in labour, lenght of pre labour ROM, observing the Baby for resp dist or possible infection postnatally etc. Heather the abbrev- Intrapartal antibiotics if less than 35 weeks labour Caroline do the Women you care for often experience pre labour ROM or was this my misunderstanding? Hope this fills some voids cheers Katrina -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit <http://www.acegraphics.com.au> to subscribe or unsubscribe.
