Intrauterine growth of infants with chorioamnionitis.

The relationship between chorioamnionitis and fetal growth was examined by analysing the data of 299 infants with chorioamnionitis and the data of 296 infants with normal placentas. Six parameters were used for estimation of fetal growth: birth weight, length, head circumference, ponderal index, the ratio of length to head circumference and gestational age. Chorioamnionitis was identified, when at least 10 neutrophils per microscopic high-power field were present in the plate of placenta.

Cervical and vaginal microflora of women under cancer screening.

Gynaecological cancer screening was supplemented with examination of the vaginal microflora and pH in women suffering from vaginal discharge and/or colpitis. In alkaline samples Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans and, in cervical epithelial cells, herpes simplex virus antigen were of common occurrence, while in samples with acid reaction Trichomonas and, in cervical cells mainly from pregnant women, adenovirus antigen were often detected. Since vaginal pH may be informative of the pathogenic agent(s), its estimation by a rapid, simple and painless procedure, like litmus paper reaction, is recommended.

Effects of intraamniotically administered thyroxin on acceleration of fetal pulmonary maturity in preeclamptic toxemia.

In 18 cases of serious and fairly serious toxemic pregnancy, the authors gave 500 micrograms L-Thyroxin "Henning" intraamniotically after the laboratory evaluation demonstrated negative pulmonary maturity from an amniotic fluid sample. Maternal and fetal complications due to the drug could not be observed. Despite a 39% premature incidence, IRDS and hyaline membrane disease were not observed.

Effect of steroid prophylaxis and of elective caesarean section on maternal and fetal cortisol values.

The cortisol level was studied during and after delivery in the mothers and their newborns after normal deliveries, elective Caesarean sections, and steroid pre-treated vaginal deliveries. The suppressive effect of Caesarean section, and steroid pre-treated vaginal deliveries. The suppressive effect of exogenous steroid was observed in both the mother and the newborn but its extent was not significant and its duration transitory; in 48 hours it disappeared.