Group B streptococcal septicemia of the newborn

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Group B strep; GBS

Treatment may involve one or more of the following:

• Antibiotics given through a vein
• Breathing help (respiratory support)
• Fluids given through a vein
• Medicines to reverse shock
• Medicines or procedures to correct blood clotting problems
• Oxygen therapy

A complex therapy called extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be used in very severe cases.

This disease can be deadly without prompt treatment.

Possible complications include:

• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) -- a serious disorder in which the proteins that control blood clotting are abnormally active
• Hypoglycemia -- low blood sugar
• Meningitis -- swelling (inflammation) of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord caused by infection
• Respiratory failure -- breathing stops

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This disease is usually diagnosed shortly after birth, often while the baby is still in the hospital.

However, if you have a newborn at home who shows symptoms of this condition, seek immediate emergency medical help or call the local emergency number (such as 911).

Parents should particularly watch for symptoms in their baby's first 6 weeks. The early stages of this disease can produce subtle symptoms.

Review Date: 12/10/2009
Reviewed By: Kimberly G. Lee, MD, MSc, IBCLC, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC. Review Provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).