MATERNAL COLONIZATION WITH GROUP-B STREPTOCOCCUS AND PRELABOR RUPTUREOF MEMBRANES AT TERM - THE ROLE OF INDUCTION OF LABOR

OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to determine the effect of induction of la bor on neonatal infection if mothers are group B streptococci positive and have prelabor rupture of membranes al term. STUDY DESIGN: In the TermPROM study 5041 women were randomized to induction with intravenou s oxytocin, induction with vaginal prostaglandin E-2 gel: or expectant management with induction, if needed. Of these, 4834 women had vagina l or introital swabs for group B streptococci taken at entry. We used logistic regression to test for effects of treatment within group B st reptococci subgroups. RESULTS: Group B streptococci were predictive of neonatal infection for the induction with vaginal prostaglandin E-2 g el and expectant groups but not for the induction with oxytocin group. For women positive for group B streptococci the rates of neonatal inf ection were 2.5% for the induction with oxytocin group and >8% for all other groups. CONCLUSIONS: induction of labor with intravenous oxytoc in may be preferable for group B streptococci-positive women with prel abor rupture of membranes at term.