[Nosocomial infection during puerperium]

Material and methods used to assess the epidemiology of puerperal infection (PI) in the National Institute of Perinatology (Mexico) between 1984 and 1990, are described. We observed that the general rate of PI ranged between 1.6 and 3.1; post-cesarean section posed a higher risk of infection than vaginal partum. Endometritis, associated with cesarean section, was the most frequent form of PI and gram positive flora was the most frequently found etiological agent. In general terms, we found that the rate of PI remained constant through the years of study, even when there was a significant increase in the practice of cesarean operations. Finally, we emphasize the need for the standardization of clinical norms used to assess the epidemiology of infection events. Standard norms will allow health-service institutions to compare results, observe tendencies, predict changes and take preventive actions.