Antibiotic elimination of group-B streptococci in urine in prevention of preterm labour

Lancet. 1987 Mar 14;1(8533):591-3. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(87)90234-0.

Abstract

The presence of group-B streptococci in the urine of pregnant women seems to be associated with preterm labour. Urine samples from 4122 women at 27-31 weeks' gestation were examined for bacteria. Group-B streptococci were found in the urine of 69 women. In a double-blind, controlled study these patients were given either penicillin (10(6) IU three times daily for 6 days; 37 patients) or placebo (32 patients). The rates of primary rupture of the membranes (11% v 53%; p less than 0.001) and preterm labour (5.4% v 38%; p less than 0.002) were significantly lower in the penicillin group than in the placebo group. These results suggest that treatment and follow-up to prevent recolonisation in pregnant women with group-B streptococci in the urine may reduce the frequency of preterm labour in these patients.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ampicillin / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cervix Uteri / microbiology
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases / prevention & control
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Obstetric Labor, Premature / prevention & control*
  • Penicillins / therapeutic use
  • Pregnancy
  • Random Allocation
  • Streptococcal Infections / prevention & control
  • Streptococcus agalactiae / drug effects*
  • Urine / microbiology*
  • Vagina / microbiology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Penicillins
  • Ampicillin