[Analysis of perinatal morbidity and mortality in cases of dysmaturity]. / Analyse der perinatalen Morbidität und Mortalität in Fällen von Dysmaturität.

The authors have examined the case-histories of the intrauterine retarded neonates on the basis of their obstetrical material during a four years period. They did not find such pregnancy complications in more of the half of their cases, which should have drown the attention to the possibility of the intrauterine retardation. The perinatal mortality of the dysmature babies was significant higher than the global perinatal mortality of their ward. They emphasize the importance of the early diagnosis. They suggest to spread the screening examinations. We can prevent the intrauterine death with the help of the hospitalization of the screened pregnants and with the instrumental and endocrine monitorisation of the pregnancy.

[Amniotic fluid testing - importance to prophylaxis against idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (author's transl)]. / Die Bedeutung von Fruchtwasseruntersuchungen in der prophylaxe des idiopathischen Atemnotsyndroms.

For glucocorticoid prophylaxis against idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome, the authors feel that a decisive role is played by the waiting period following administration, depending on the results of amniotic fluid testing. They decided to wait 48 hours in cases of immature lung and 24 hours in cases of mature lung, both holding patterns under the protection of antibiotics. The incidence of idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome among their premature births over two years as well as mortality due to that cause were found to be lower than those in a control group. Antibiotic-protected holding before delivery did not aggravate the curves of maternal nor foetal infections.

Blood coagulation in healthy and severely ill newborn infants.

Normal values of blood coagulation factors were investigated in 30 healthy newborn infants. On the basis of these normal standards 8 infants with DIC were evaluated. All of them had serious underlying diseases. By appropriate treatment of the primary disorder and replacement of depleted procoagulants, the bleeding disorder disappeared in six of eight patients without heparinization. Diagnostic criteria and management of neonatal disseminated intravascular coagulation are discussed.

[Experience obtained from steroid prophylaxis for premature birth (author's transl)]. / Erfahrungen mit der Steroidprophylaxe bei Frühgeburten.

The authors have studied the effects of steroid treatment, when used to cope with imminent premature birth. The incidence of RDS was found to be reduceable by half by administration of steroids to the mother. Complementary antibiotic treatment is recommended to prevent the outbreak of puerperal infections. The point is also made that steroid therapy has caused significant rise in the incidence of infant icterus.