London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London

Islington 1927

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Islington Borough]

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11
1927]
67 out of the 136 cases of Ophthalmia Neonatorum were attended at birth by
midwives.

Table: The cases occurred in the sub-registration districts as follows :—

The cases occurred in the sub-registration districts as follows :—

Tufnell.Upper Hollo-way.Toll-ington.Lower Hollo-way.Highbury.Barns-bury.South East.The Borough
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.11172722161825136
Cases notified by Doctor9122817151011102
Ophthalmia. Cases reported by L.C.C.346710102161
Cases reported by Health Visitors-1---1-2
Reported by others411--2311

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Of the 136 cases investigated, both of the infants' eyes were effected in 101
instances, whilst in 13 the right eye was involved, and in 21 the left.
Treatment.—24 of 136 Ophthalmia Neonatorum cases were admitted to
St. Margaret's Hospital.
72 of 136 Ophthalmia Neonatorum cases were treated at home by private
Doctors.
54 cases of inflammatory disease of infants' eyes were nursed by the North
London Nursing Association for the Council at a cost of £59 12s. In 1926 54
cases were nursed at the cost of £47 14s.
Results.—Of the 136 Ophthalmia Neonatorum cases, in 132 instances vision
was unimpared and in 3 cases the sight was affected. The remaining case left
the district.

Table: There was one fatal case during the year.

There was one fatal case during the year.

Ophthalmia Neonatorum Cases.Vis'on unimpaired.Vision impaired.Total Blindness.Deaths.
Notified,Treated.
At home.In hospital.
136*112241323Nil1

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*N.B.—One case left the district and was untraceable.
MATERNAL DEATHS.
The number of women dying in, or in consequence of, child-birth during the
year 1927 was 24, or 3.9 per 1,000 registered births. Of this number 12 occurred
from Sepsis (Puerperal Septicaemia); whilst 12 died from other diseases of childbirth.
Cause of Death. No. of Deaths.
Puerperal Septicaemia (Sepsis) 12
Abortion, Miscarriage 3
Puerperal Convulsions 1
Placenta Praevia-Other causes - 5
Puerperal Thrombosis 1
Other diseases of child-birth 2
Total 24
The deaths for the preceding year numbered 27 and were equal to the proportion
of 4.1 per 1,000 births.