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*Due to other causes. †Several cases removed to unknown addresses. ‡ Excluding one case, information unobtainable.
|| Died from Prematurity, Congenital Heart Disease and Gonorrhœal Ophthalmia.
§ One moved away to unknown address.
(1) Died—Prematurity. Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
(2) Died—Gastro Enteritis. Ophthalmia Neonatorum, Mongolism, Imbecility.
In addition to the above, there were 49 cases of Mild Inflammation not notifiable as
Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
This disease is an inflammation of the eyes of newly born infants, resulting in a purulent
discharge within 21 days of birth. It has been compulsorily notifiable in London since 1911.
During the first few years the incidence averaged about 5 cases per 1,000 births in St. Pancras
Borough. By 1920 the incidence had reached 11, and this remained the approximate figure
for several years. The rate for 1930 was the lowest for a considerable period.
The disease does not seem to be as severe now as formerly. The high incidence
can only be explained by the alertness of midwives and doctors, who probably err on the side
of safety by notifying all suspicious cases. It is certainly better to err on this side. Out
of the 42 notifications this year, only four were considered "grave." There were 12 of
"moderate" severity, and 26 were returned as "slight,"
The true condition is still a prolific cause of blindness. This is definitely seen in those
counrties where Ophthalmia Neonatorum is not regarded with due consideration. In the
past seven years, out of 298 cases, including all the doubtful ones, we have had two cases
where the vision was permanently impaired. Without our present protective routine, it is
probable that the incidence would become higher still, that there would be a greater proportion
of true and "grave" cases, and that Impaired Vision" and "Blindness" would
result more commonly.
In 17 cases the mother was giving birth to her first baby, and four of these were
illegitimate babies. In 22 cases the confinement took place at home, and of these 12 were
attended by midwives, five by doctors and five by medical students. Twenty of the babies
were born in Hospitals or Maternity Homes. Thirty-six mothers received ante-natal care.
The two deaths were among the six babies born where the mother had failed to seek ante-natal
advice.