Patient selection: infant born to a mother who was a candidate for intrapartum prophylaxis against GBS
Infants born to mothers who are candidates for intrapartum prophylaxis against GBS are typically observed in hospital for >= 48 hours, with the time dependent on the level of risk for neonatal sepsis.
An infant can be discharged home after 24 hours of observation if all of the following are present:
(1) the infant appears well
(2) the mother received the full course of appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis prior to delivery
(3) all other criteria for discharge have been met
(4) the family has ready access to medical care
(5) there will be someone observing the infant who will comply fully with instructions for home observation
The policy statement for committees from the American Academy of Pediatrics also recommended that:
(1) the infant should come in for a newborn assessment between 48 and 72 hours
(2) early discharge was a appropriate for >= 37 weeks gestation, implying extra caution for infants with risk factors (< 37 week gestation, membrane rupture >= 48 hours). The CDC guidelines state that early discharge can be considered for infants of any gestational age that meet the criteria.
