[The effect and consequences of inflammation on urethral cytology in the 9th month of pregnancy].

Qualitative and quantitative modifications were observed in urethral smears made from week 37 to week 41 of amenorrhoea and showing leucocytes in the desquamation. The number of cell clusters decreased; the numbers of false clusters and of isolated cells with rounded borders increased. Columnar cells and degenerating isolated nuclei are often seen in these inflammatory smears. The quantitative fluctuations of epithelial clusters and of columnar cells are connected with the number of weeks of amenorrhoea on the one hand, and the quantity of leucocytes on the other. The presence of an inflammatory process can alter the diagnosis as far as the term of the pregnancy is concerned; and therefore limits the use of urethral cytology.