The Problem of Puerperal Sepsis and Its Solution

Cook, James (1931) The Problem of Puerperal Sepsis and Its Solution. MD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

I hold the following proved. Puerperal Sepsis is widespread in Nature both in lower animals and mankind. It obeys the same laws in both animals and man. Its incidence is so great that childbearing is classed as a dangerous occupation. It is of prime importance to the State, Medical Profession and Individual. It has been known since the earliest times. It has shown little or no diminution in incidence or fatality in the last twenty years. Its cause is now almost exactly established. The infection is due to Streptococcus Haemolyticus the great proportion being exogenous. Streptococci are characteristically heterogeneous in character and Erysipelas, Scarlatina, and Puerperal Septicaemia infections are so closely allied as to be indistinguishable constantly bacteriologically and serologically. There exists an "Unknown Factor" that determines invasion. The more rigid our asepsis the lower is our rate or infection. Prevention is the only means at our disposal for lessening the mortality rates in puerperal sepsis. Scarlatina and Puerperal Septicaemia were demonstrated clinically to be like infections. The ideal place for normal confinements is the woman's home and the ideal attendants are the General Practitioner for Antenatal Care and general supervision and if need be, intervention at actual labour on the call of the Nurse. That abnormal cases should be confined by Specialists in Institutions. That the worst place possible for removal of cases showing notifiable temperature is a general Fever Hospital. That each should be isolated in a separate block of a Maternity Hospital under experts. That the average Scottish General Practitioner can show statistics equal to anything in Europe either institutional or other. That puerperal Sepsis will not yield unless to team work of a high degree of excellence. That an atmosphere of blame is fatal to progress. That proper Antenatal Care should reduce puerperal sepsis to vanishing point. That Segregation not Aggregation is the corner stone in Prevention and Treatment of Puerperal Sepsis.

• Item Type: Thesis (MD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Medicine, Obstetrics, Pathology
• Date of Award: 1931
• Depositing User: Enlighten Team
• Unique ID: glathesis:1931-79903
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 03 Mar 2020 10:23
• Last Modified: 03 Mar 2020 10:23
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/79903