Neonatal Research at the Archiospedale Santo Spirito in Rome

Area of Science:

• Medical History
• Public Health
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Infant abandonment was a Roman tradition, leading to the establishment of foundling hospitals in Italy to prevent infanticides.
• The Foundling Hospital of Rome, founded in 1204 within Santo Spirito Church, became a model for child protection and modern hospital care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the historical development and impact of the Foundling Hospital of Rome.
• To highlight the hospital's role in child welfare, medical advancements, and its long-standing operation.

Main Methods:

• Historical analysis of records pertaining to the Foundling Hospital of Rome and the Order of the Holy Spirit.
• Review of medical contributions by physicians associated with the hospital.

Main Results:

• The Order of the Holy Spirit managed a network of nurseries, offering services to unmarried mothers and utilizing a "ruota" (baby hatch) for anonymous infant admission.
• Physicians associated with the hospital made significant contributions to anatomy and surgery, including descriptions of fetal circulation and treatments for congenital malformations.
• Despite 700+ years of operation, substantial funding, and regulated care, the hospital experienced high early mortality (around 70%) attributed to poor hygiene and artificial nutrition.

Conclusions:

• The Foundling Hospital of Rome played a crucial role in infant protection and medical progress for centuries.
• The institution's longevity was significantly influenced by its strong connections with the Vatican.
• Early infant mortality remained a persistent challenge, underscoring issues in hospital care, sanitation, and infant nutrition during the period.