Liza T.

Group B streptococcal septicemia of the newborn Definition Group B streptococcal septicemia is a severe bacterial infection that affects newborn infants. Alternative Names Streptococcus agalactiae; Sepsis of the newborn; Lancefield group B streptococcus; Group B streptococcus Causes Group B streptococcal septicemia is caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, a type of group B streptococcus bacteria, which is commonly found in the human gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary tracts. The disease may be seen from birth to 6 days of life (generally in the first 24 hours) or in children age 7 days to 3 months. Most cases occur in babies around 1 month old. Group B streptococcus was once responsible for about 75% of sepsis infections in infants. However, the rate of this condition has dropped since methods to screen and treat pregnant women at risk were established. The following increase the risk for group B streptococcal septicemia: •

Mother has a fever during labor

•

Mother has group B streptococcus in her gastrointestinal, reproductive, or urinary tracts

•

Rupture of membranes ("water breaks") more than 18 hours before baby is delivered

•

Prematurity

Group B streptococcus may infect the fetus by traveling from the mother's bloodstream through the placenta or through ruptured membranes as the infant passes through the birth canal. The infant may also become infected after delivery. Symptoms Parents should watch for any of the following symptoms when their child is less than 3 months old, particularly in the first 6 weeks. The early stages of the disease can produce subtle symptoms. Parents should contact their doctor if they are concerned that symptoms are developing. Symptoms may include: •

Unstable temperature (low or high)

•

Ποορ φεεδινγ

•

Baby appears unwell, stressed, or anxious

•

Βρεατηινγ διφφιχυλτιεσ •

Grunting

•

Φλαρινγ οφ τηε νοστριλσ

•

Rapid breathing (tachypnea)

•

Short periods without breathing (apneic episodes -- see apnea)

•

Blue appearance (cyanosis)

•

Irregular heart rate - may be fast (tachycardia) or extremely slow (bradycardia)

•

Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)

•

Λετηαργψ

•

Χοµα

Σηοχκ Exams and Tests

•

Blood culture (grows group B strep)

•

ΧΣΦ χυλτυρε

•

Υρινε χυλτυρε (see urine collection - infants)

•

ΧΒΧ (complete blood count)

•

Χηεστ ξ−ραψ

•

Blood gases

•

ΠΤ and PTT

Treatment Treatment may involve one or more of the following: •

Antibiotics given by IV (intravenously)

•

Fluids (given by IV)

•

Medicines to reverse shock

•

Medicines or procedures to correct blood clotting problems

•

Oxygen therapy

•

Breathing help

•

ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenator) in very severe cases

Outlook (Prognosis)