Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in two very low birth weight infants

Two premature infants with very low birth weight were diagnosed with staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) during hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit. This syndrome which is rare in premature infants, is characterized by blistering and superficial desquamation of the skin and is caused by two epidermolytic toxins (ETA and ETB) produced by Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome usually occurs in young children probably because of inefficient clearance of the epidermolytic toxins from the bloodstream, which causes dysfunction of cell adhesion in the superficial epidermis. Early diagnosis and early treatment with parenterally administered betalactamase resistant penicillins are important to prevent life threatening complications of this syndrome

Strategy to prevent neonatal early-onset group B streptococcal (GBS) disease in the Netherlands

Early-onset group B streptococcal (GBS) infection can be prevented by intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. In the USA the effectiveness of this strategy was demonstrated after the introduction of formal guidelines in 1996. In Europe prevention strategies for early-onset GBS infection have not been implemented universally. In 1998 the Dutch Society of Paediatrics and the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology posted conjoint guidelines for the prevention of early-onset GBS disease based on currently available knowledge and the local situation. These guidelines will be discussed in this overview

Congenital staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in a premature infant

A case of congenital staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) with fatal outcome in a premature infant is reported. An intrauterine infection with Staphylococcus aureus was probably the cause for the fulminant course of the disease. Despite adequate antibiotic treatment, the infant died within 24 h after birth because of respiratory failure. Conclusion: Although rare, infection may occur in the perinatal period and SSSS may present within the first 24 h of life. In this situation, early administering of appropriate antibiotics is essential

Strategy to prevent neonatal early-onset group B streptococcal (GBS) disease in the Netherlands

Early-onset group B streptococcal (GBS) infection can be prevented by intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. In the USA the effectiveness of this strategy was demonstrated after the introduction of formal guidelines in 1996. In Europe prevention strategies for early-onset GBS infection have not been implemented universally. In 1998 the Dutch Society of Paediatrics and the Dutch Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology posted conjoint guidelines for the prevention of early-onset GBS disease based on currently available knowledge and the local situation. These guidelines will be discussed in this overview