Neurological sequelae of group B streptococcal neonatal infection

Eighteen survivors from a series of 44 infants with neonatal group B streptococcal infection were examined from eight weeks to four years later for possible long-term neurological sequelae. Of six infants with laboratory-validated group B streptococcal meningitis, one died at 11 months of age as a result of complications of hydrocephalus, and another infant was found to have minor neurological sequelae. Of the remaining 12 infants with documented or probable group B sepsis, two were found to have neurological residua. The combined morbidity and mortality rate in the group of 44 infants was 50% (18 deaths and four sequelae).