Universal screening versus risk-based protocols for antibiotic prophylaxis during childbirth to prevent early-onset Group B streptococcal disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Early-onset group B streptococcal (EOGBS) disease (including sepsis, meningitis, and pneumonia) causes significant morbidity and mortality in newborn infants worldwide. Antibiotic prophylaxis can prevent vertical streptococcal transmission, yet no uniform criteria to identify eligible women for prophylaxis exist. Some guidelines recommend universal GBS screening to pregnant women in their third trimester (screening-based protocol), while others employ risk-based protocols. We compare the effectiveness of screening-based vs risk-based protocols in preventing EOGBS disease. Screening-based protocols were associated with lower incidences of EOGBS disease compared to risk-based protocols, while not clearly overexposing women to antibiotics. This information is of relevance for future policymaking.
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news