[Non-specific fetal infections: possibilities and value of early diagnosis]

Notes of 4,000 obstetric and neo-natal cases have been analysed. The role of non-specific fetal infection (which means excluding syphilis, toxoplasmosis and German measles) has been defined with the backing of histopathological, bacteriological and clinical findings. Its role in perinatal mortality and neo-natal morbidity has been outlined. Possibilities for prevention of the condition are suggested, dealing with premature rupture of the membranes and clear-cut maternal infection. "At risk of infection" is the term that has been defined for neonates by studying carefully obstetrical clinical parameters where they are isolated or associated with other conditions but relatively innocuous. When the condition has been defined in particular cases, intensive supervision of the children at risk must be carried out so that as a result of bacteriological findings therapy can be started earlier, better adjusted to the condition and promising a better prognosis.