[Prophylaxis of group B streptococcal infections in the birth centers of Emilia Romagna].

OBJECTIVES:In the last decade several guidelines for prevention of neonatal group B streptococcal invasive disease have been published, mainly based on administration of intrapartum antibiotics. The spread of such recommendations yielded a reduction of the early-onset disease. The aim of the study was to investigate the practices for prophylaxis of neonatal infection in our region during the 2000 and to standardize them according to the new available evidence.METHODS:We conducted a multicenter study in Emilia Romagna, sending by mail a detailed questionnaire to the 28 birth centers of our region.RESULTS:Fifteen centers answered to the questionnaire. The practices were often differing from the recommendations of scientific societies. The most sensitive methods to identify colonized women were not widely used. Colonized infants were frequently treated with antibiotics and discharged later from the nursery. The incidence of neonatal invasive diseases was low, but most centers did not regularly collect a blood culture before antibiotic treatment is started.CONCLUSIONS:Repeated meetings among centers promoted the diffusion of information, the implementation of a shared protocol and the spread of the practices. The results of such meetings will be evalued in the next months.