Duration of antimicrobial prophylaxis for group B streptococcus in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes who are not in labor

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the duration of the time that is needed to eradicate group B Streptococcus ( GBS) in pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes ( PPROM). STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was performed of pregnant women with PPROM from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2005. Vaginal/ rectal cultures were performed on admission and repeated daily. Patients received antibiotics until cultures were negative for 3 consecutive days. RESULTS: Two hundred fourteen women were identified with PPROM; 169 of the women met the inclusion criteria. Thirty- three patients were GBS positive on admission and had negative cultures by day 3. Neonatal sepsis occurred in 19 neonates ( 11.2%); 3 neonates ( 16%) were from mothers who tested positive for GBS on admission, and 16 neonates ( 84%) were from mothers who tested negative on admission. There were no cases of neonatal sepsis because of GBS. CONCLUSION: A 3- day regimen of antibiotic prophylaxis appears to be adequate to eradicate GBS from the genital tract of patients with PPROM.