[Hygiene measures in antenatal care]. / Hygieneaspekte in der Schwangerenbetreuung.

BACKGROUND: The prevention of infections in the obstetric care of pregnant women is paramount, on the one hand with regard to pathogens of congenital infections and on the other hand due to the association of maternal infections with premature delivery. OBJECTIVES: Which measures are recommended for effective prevention of bacterial and viral diseases relevant to obstetrics? MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature search on hygiene measures in terms of preventing transmission of infection. RESULTS: The physiological vaginal flora of the pregnant woman is a fundamental factor in natural defence against infection. Its disruption-also through antimicrobial therapies-has a proven influence on the course of pregnancy (premature rupture of membranes, premature birth). It also leads to a disturbed intestinal microbiome in newborns, which has long-term consequences for their neurological, respiratory, metabolic and immunological development and increases mortality. The focus should therefore be on prevention-rather than therapy-of infectious diseases during pregnancy. This requires a detailed anamnesis, monitoring and updating of the vaccination status and, if necessary, clarification of the infection status by means of targeted serological tests. Then the gynecologist can give individual advice on preventive measures. This article provides specific recommendations on selected obstetrically relevant infections. CONCLUSIONS: Focusing on hygiene measures to prevent infection in obstetrics can improve the health of both mother and child.

[Basic hygiene measures in the delivery room-also during a pandemic]. / Basis-Hygienemaßnahmen im Kreißsaal ­ auch in Zeiten einer Pandemie.

BACKGROUND: The German Infection Protection Act calls for effective measures to be implemented in clinics to avoid nosocomial infections. The corona pandemic once again demonstrates the importance of adequate hygiene measures in avoiding infections. OBJECTIVES: Compilation of common basic hygiene measures for clinical obstetrics. METHODS: Discussion of relevant German guidelines relating to the work in the delivery room. Development of recommendations for hygienically correct childbirth care. RESULTS: Recommendations for surface disinfection refer to predefined risk-categories in the delivery unit. In cooperation with hospital hygiene, the frequency of cleaning and disinfection must be specified in the facility's internal hygiene plans. To avoid a selection of disinfectant-tolerant germs, it is essential to observe the spectrum of activity and exposure time of each disinfectant. Hand disinfection is the single most effective measure to prevent nosocomial infections. The challenge here is the consistent implementation of the generally known indications for hand disinfection in everyday life. For the hygienically correct management of water birth and maintenance of the bathtub, standards should be developed in every delivery room, the effectiveness of which must be regularly monitored. In a pandemic, there are additional hygiene rules, tailored to the particular pathogen. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is no lack of knowledge in the form of guidelines and recommendations, the implementation of basic hygiene measures in everyday life in the delivery room requires perseverance and commitment.

Papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma of the vagina.

A case of a papillary squamotransitional cell carcinoma (PSTCC) of the vagina with a follow-up of 3 years is presented here. The characteristics of this case support a squamous rather than urothelial origin of this rare entity. Unlike its counterparts in the cervix uteri, the clinical behavior of vaginal PSTCC is more favorable than squamous cell carcinoma. Histological and clinical features are compared to those of previously described cases of vaginal and cervical PSTCC.