Significance of Radiographic Findings in Early-Onset Group B Streptococcal Infection

Chest radiographs of 73 neonates with early-onset group B Streptococcus (GBS) infection were reviewed. Eighty-six percent of the infants were premature (< 38 weeks); 68% weighed ≤ 1,500 g. In infants weighing ≤ 1,500 g, the predominant radiographic pattern was hyaline membrane disease (HMD) (80%). There was a significant increase in radiographic HMD in 1,000 to 1,500-g neonates with GBS infection (77%) when compared to a control group of infants without GBS infection (44%). Mortality in 1,000 to 1,500-g infants with GBS infection and radiographic HMD (95%) was also significantly higher than in the control group of infants with HMD and no GBS infection (38%). In larger premature and full-term infants, the radiographic findings were not specific and also were not helpful in distinguishing GBS infection from other newborn respiratory disorders.