Causes of death in 31 newborn infants with myelomeningoceles.

Eight of the ten premature infants died during the first ten days. Six of these were in poor general condition with cyanosis, respiratory distress or aspiration of amniotic fluid. One child died after a fit before he was operated upon for his myelomeningocele. Ventricular haemorrhages were found in two premature infants. Seven of the premature infants died of an infection. In 23 infants the myelomeningocele was not covered by a membrane. Approximately 75% of the infants, i.e. 15, died during the first week of life. A meningitis was found in five infants; in four cases it was due to E. coliand in one, due to klebsiella. It, therefore, appears from studying our case material that deaths in newborn infants with myelomeningocele depends on the following facts: 1) maturity, 2) associated malformations, 3) whether the myelomeningocele is covered by a membrane or not.