[The problem of the danger of dogs; a study of incidents with dogs in a large city]. / Zum Problem der Gefährlichkeit von Hunden; eine Untersuchung von Vorfällen mit Hunden in einer Grossstadt.

Incidents with dogs present a public problem. In order to specify this, all recorded cases of dog bites in the city of Munich from 1986-1991 (n = 284) were registered. The range of injury of men and animal, the influence of breed, age and sex of the dog on the incident, the behaviour of the owner in the situation and the location were inquired. 207 people have been lightly wounded. 136 dogs have been injured. The most incidents occurred with German Shepherds, mixed breeds of German Shepherds, Boxers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes and Bull terriers. Almost one third of the dogs have been involved in cases of recurrence. There has been a distinct influence of the owner on the behaviour of the dogs. The reaction of the owner has got significant influence of the kind, frequency and seriousness of the accident. The spectrum reaches from passive watching of the incidence to encouraging the dog to bite. Most owners did not absolve any kind of educational program with their dog. More than 50% of the dog owners were judged incompetent to lead their dog in an expert opinion and two third of the owners considered themselves unsuitable to lead a dog. Almost 90% of the dogs have not been on a leash. Most of the incidents took place in public places and only 9% happened in parks. A catalogue of possible measures to avoid such incidents will be presented.

Maternal-fetal pH difference and fetal scalp pH as predictors of neonatal outcome.

The purpose of this study was to determine if interpretation of fetal scalp pH values would be enhanced by concurrent measurement of maternal venous pH. The last fetal capillary pH obtained before delivery was compared with simultaneous maternal-fetal pH difference as predictors of neonatal outcome assessed by five-minute Apgar scores. Fetal scalp pH and maternal-fetal pH difference were significantly correlated with r = -0.72 (P less than .0001). The acidotic fetuses born to acidotic mothers had low maternal-fetal pH differences, and all were nondepressed at birth. A 33% reduction in false negatives was found using maternal-fetal pH difference instead of scalp pH alone. Errors in interpretation of fetal scalp pH can be reduced by the use of maternal-fetal pH difference.

Antepartum diagnosis and intrapartum management of lethal renal defects.

Bilateral renal agenesis (Potter syndrome) in the neonate is incompatible with life. Unfortunately, these infants are often delivered by cesarean section, as premature labor and breech presentation are commonly associated with the condition. In reviewing the obstetric course of 6 women who recently delivered such babies, the authors have found that antepartum diagnosis is possible in most cases. specifically, vaginal delivery should be strongly considered for patients in premature labor with intact membranes and breech presentation when there is ultrasound evidence of an abnormally shaped fetal head, absence of the fetal bladder, and severe oligohydramnios.