In cases of prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM), what is the management for GBS positive patients?

In cases of prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM), the appropriate management for patients who are positive for Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the administration of antibiotics. This is crucial because the presence of GBS can significantly increase the risk of neonatal infections, such as early-onset sepsis, especially after the membranes have ruptured for an extended period.

Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended to prevent transmission of GBS to the newborn. The standard practice is to administer intravenous antibiotics to the mother during labor, ideally at least four hours before delivery, to ensure adequate coverage for the infant. This intervention helps to mitigate the risks associated with GBS colonization and protect the newborn from infection.

While immediate delivery might seem like an appropriate option, it may not always be necessary unless there are additional complications. Observation could lead to increased risk of infection, and induction of labor may be considered in certain situations, but antibiotics remain the first line of defense when GBS is identified in the context of PROM. Thus, the administration of antibiotics is the key strategy in managing GBS-positive patients experiencing PROM.