[Hospital infection control--beyond the hospital].

Health care related infections are expensive untoward events, not only in terms of morbidity and mortality, but also cost. Prevention is essential, as well as limiting dissemination. Specify measures refer usually to hospital hygiene.

Histological and in vitro studies supporting decreased uteroplacental blood flow as explanation for digital defects after administration of vasodilators.

In a recent study, the vasodilating drugs nifedipine, nitrendipine, felodipine, and hydralazine induced phalangeal defects in rabbits, when given on day 16 of pregnancy. Histologically, the changes were characterized by disturbed chondrogenesis. In order to elucidate mechanisms behind the defects, the fetal concentration of felodipine was measured, and the fetal limb plates were examined histologically, at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours after single oral administration of felodipine (12 mumol/kg) on day 16 in pregnant rabbits.