View report page

13 [1925
Of the 135 cases investigated, both of the infants' eyes were affected in 108
instances, whilst in 10 the right eye was involved and in 17 the left.
Treatment.—58 of the 91 Ophthalmia Neonatorum cases were treated at
Hospitals; of these, 9 were admitted to St. Margaret's Hospital.
31 of the 91 cases were treated at home by private doctors, while 2 were
under the care of certified midwives.
Nursing.—28 cases of inflammatory disease of infants' eyes were nursed by
the North London Nursing Association for the Council at the cost of £28 3s.
(In 1921, 33 cases were nursed at the cost of £38 19s.).
Skilled attention decreases the possibility of partial, or complete blindness;
so that the cost incurred was in every way money well spent.
Results.-—Of the 91 Ophthalmia Neonatorum cases :
88 cases completely clear.
3 cases partial impairment of the left eye, and one of the right eye,
while 2 cases are still under treatment.
Deaths.—No death was certified as due to Ophthalmia Neonatorum.
Ophthalmia.—11 cases of Ophthalmia were reported by the London Cou.ily
Council and the Health Visitors, whilst the number of cases in 1921 was 43.
PUERPERAL FEVER.
Definition.—The Royal College of Physicians' definition of Puerperal Fever
is Septicaemia, Pya;mia, Septic Peritonitis, Septic Metritis, and other acute septic
inflammation in the pelvis occurring as the direct residt of child-birth.
23 cases were notified in 1925, and 19 during the previous year, being in the
proportion of 3.50 per 1,000 births. The notifications were 1 above the average
(22) of the preceding 10 years, and showed a decrease of 0.39 in the proportion of
attacks to 1,000 births.

Of the 23 notified cases, 19 were treated in Hospitals; 7 cases being removed
to Metropolitan Asylums Board Hospitals; and 12 cases to other London
Hospitals.
Deaths.—Seven deaths were registered as being due to Puerperal Fever.
Two of these, however, were not notified, and are not included in the cases given
in above tabular summary.