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Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
81
the fact that signs of inflammation were not recognised. In all other cases medical help was obtained
either on the day of onset or the following day.
The Council's inspectors investigated all the cases and endeavoured to watch the progress of
the patients and learn the final result. 218 cases were reported to be completely cured. In 13 cases
there was impairment of vision, 17 died while still suffering from the disease, and in 30 instances the
result could not be ascertained owing to the removal of the parents, who could not be traced.
The day of the puerperium on which signs of inflammation were first noticed was : day of confinement,
18 cases; second day, 23; third day, 38; fourth day, 33; fifth day, 28; sixth day, 29;
seventh day, 26; eighth day, 23; ninth day, 19; tenth day, 11; later than tenth day, 26; not
ascertained, 4 cases.
A history of vaginal discharge in the mother was obtained in 111 instances, i.e., in 40 per cent,
of the cases.
The antiseptics used for the child's eyes at birth or as soon afterwards as possible were boracic
lotion in 125 instances; perchloride of mercury (1 in 4,000 or weaker) in 102; silver nitrate (a 1 or 2
per cent. solution)in 27; protargol in 1, and biniodide of mercury in 1 instance; in the remaining 22
cases sterile water was used. An interval between the birth and the use of an antiseptic occurred in
50 instances owing to the fact that the infant was born before the arrival of the midwife.
The following facts relating to the 13 cases in which impairment of vision supervened were
learnt:
(1) History of vaginal discharge in the mother during pregnancy. Perchloride of mercury
(1 in 4,000) followed by boric acid lotion, used for eyes 15 minutes after birth (infant born before midwife
s arrival). Onset of symptoms on day of birth. Medical help called in on day after birth. Infant
removed with mother to hospital on third day.
Result: Infant reported blind.
(2) History of gonorrhea in father of child. Boric acid lotion used for eyes 30 minutes after
biith (infant born before arrival of midwife). Onset of symptoms on third day. Medical help obtained
on fourth day, and infant removed with mother to infirmary on fifth day.
Result : Infant reported blind.
(3) No history of vaginal discharge in mother obtained. Boric acid lotion used for eyes 15
minutes after birth (infant born before arrival of midwife). Onset of symptoms on fifth day. Medical
help obtained at once. Infant removed with mother to infirmary on seventh day.
Result: Infant reported blind.
(4) History of vaginal discharge in mother during pregnancy. Perchloride of mercury (1 in 4,000)
used for eyes 20 minutes after birth (infant born before arrival of midwife). Onset of symptoms on
day after birth. Parents refused to call medical help until fourth day. Out-patient at Ophthalmic
Hospital.
Result: Sight in one eye lost, the other seriously injured.
(5) History of inflammation of the vagina in mother. Boric acid lotion used for eyes at birth.
Slight symptoms on third day, but medical help not obtained until thirteenth day Infant removed
to hospital. The midwife was severely cautioned for not advising medical help in this case.
Result: Sight in one eye lost.
(6) No history of vaginal discharge in mother, but a child in same house had inflamed eyes. Boric
acid lotion used for eyes 15 minutes after birth of child (born before midwife's arrival). Onset
of symptoms on tenth day. Medical help obtained at once. Out-patient at hospital.
Result: Sight in one eye lost.
(7) No history of vaginal discharge in mother. Boric acid lotion used for eyes 15 minutes after
birth (infant born before midwife's arrival). Onset of symptoms on third day. Medical help not obtained
until eighth day.
Result: Loss of sight in one eye.
The midwife was severely cautioned as to delay in advising medical help in this case.
(8) No history of vaginal discharge in mother obtained. Boric acid lotion used for eyes at
birth. Slight symptoms on eighth day. Medical help obtained on tenth day.
Result: Loss of sight in one eye.
(9) History of vaginal discharge in mother. Boric lotion used for eyes at birth. Onset of
symptoms on eighth day. Medical help obtained on ninth day.
Result: Both eyes affected, but no loss of vision.
(10) No history of vaginal discharge in mother. Boric lotion used for eyes at birth. Mother is
stated to have "washed" the eyes with breast milk. Onset of symptoms on eighth day. Medical
help obtained at once.
Result: Sight of both eyes impaired.
(11) History of vaginal discharge in mother. Perchloride of mercury (1 in 4,000) used for
eyes at birth. Onset of symptoms on fourth day. Medical help obtained at once.
Result: One eye permanently injured, other eye normal.
(12) No history of vaginal discharge in mother, onset of symptoms on eleventh day.
Result: Sight of one eye impaired.
(13) History of vaginal discharge in mother. Perchloride of mercury used for eyes at birth.
Onset on fourth day.
Result: Infant has a slight squint; otherwise normal.
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