THE EFFECT OF COLONIZATION WITH GROUP-B STREPTOCOCCI ON THE LATENCY PHASE OF PATIENTS WITH PRETERM PREMATURE RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to determine whether colonization of pregnant women with group B streptococci shortens the latency time from rupture of membranes to delivery in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes. STUDY DESIGN: All patients transferred to Long Beach Memorial Women's Hospital with the diagnosis of preterm premature rupture of the membranes were prospectively recorded. The patients included in the study were transferred between Jan. 1, 1986, and June 30, 1991. Data were collected in regard to various obstetric characteristics, the presence or absence of a digital vaginal examination, tocolytic usage, antibiotic usage, and results of the culture for group B streptococci. The latency period was defined as days from membrane rupture to delivery. Patients with multiple gestations, cerclage in place, advanced labor on admission, or an indicated delivery on admission were excluded from data analysis. Patients with a positive culture for group B streptococci were then compared with those having a negative culture in regard to latency time after membrane rupture. RESULTS: The study population was made up of 332 patients. Forty-three (13%) were positive for group B streptococci; they were compared with 289 that were culture negative. There was no difference in the latency period from membrane rupture to delivery when we controlled for digital vaginal examinations and antibiotic usage. In addition, all other comparisons between the two groups were not significant. CONCLUSION: When the presence of a digital vaginal examination, antibiotic usage, and tocolytic usage are controlled for, colonization with group B streptococci by itself does not appear to affect the latency time from premature rupture of membranes to delivery.