Group B streptococcal septicemia of the newborn

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Streptococcus agalactiae ; Sepsis of the newborn; Lancefield group B streptococcus; Group B streptococcus

Treatment may involve one or more of the following:

• Antibiotics given by IV (intravenously)
• Fluids (given by IV)
• Medicines to reverse shock
• Medicines or procedures to correct blood clotting problems
• Oxygen therapy
• Breathing help
• ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenator) in very severe cases

This disease can be deadly without early treatment.

Possible complications include:

• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
• Respiratory arrest
• Meningitis
• Hypoglycemia

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 signs of this condition, seek immediate emergency medical help or call the local emergency number (such as 911).

Review Date: 08/18/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.