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41
In this connection it is well to mention that it has been noted in
Finsbury as elsewhere, that during the first few days after the
baby is put on depot milk it loses weight. Despite this fact,
however, the weighings showed that 71 per cent. of the babies made
good progress, gaining on an average 4.5 ozs. per week; 20 per cent.
made unsatisfactory progress, gaining 2 ozs. per week; while 9 per
cent. progressed badly.
Of the 205 children, 10 died. The following particulars regarding
these deaths are of interest:—
C. C.—A premature infant, weighing under 3 lbs., was admitted
when 2 days old, by request of St. Bartholomew's Hospital. The
child showed few signs of life, and was fed on depot milk and bran'dy
till death, one month later. "Premature birth, Marasmus,'' was the
certified cause of death.
W. J. S.—Was on the depot from birth. The infant progressed
satisfactorily, the average gain being 7 ozs. per week. An attack of
diarrhoea and vomiting in August terminated fatally after 12 days.
T. T.—A premature infant, weighing under 3 lbs., was admitted
when 2 day's old, recommended from St. Bartholomew's Hospital.
Death occurred 10 days later.
H. M. F.—Was very ill with diarrhœa and vomiting at time of
admission. It had the milk for four days, but made no progress. It
died 4 days after discontinuing.
B. S.—Was admitted when 4½ month's old much wasted. and
in a weak condition. The improvement was very slow, the average
gain being 1.5 oz. per week. An attack of diarrhoea and vomiting
terminated fatally after 3 weeks.
S.S.—Was a twin prematurely born, and admitted at the request of
St. Bartholomew's Hospital. It only had the milk for two days,
then went into the incubator in hospital and died next day.
A. C.—Was admitted to the depot on account of the mother's
decease, was then making very poor progress, being in the care of
the grandmother, who was very ignorant. Made fair progress,
although the home conditions were most unsatisfactory. Death
occurred quite suddenly. An inquest was held, "Convulsions, acute
congestion of the brain, malnutrition " being the certified cause.