[Critical analysis of the early perinatal morbidity at the department of obstet. gynecol. in Düsseldorf (1975-1977) (author's transl)].

A retrospective investigation of 219 deliveries (of 2870 deliveries between 1975-1977) with Apgar-scores less than or equal to 6 at 1 minute or UA-pH-values less than or equal to 7,15 is presented. Therefore the case histories of 75 spontaneous deliveries, 69 breech or forceps deliveries, and 75 cesarean sections were reviewed. Analysis of our data shows that in 32% of the spontaneous deliveries, in 61% of the breech or forceps deliveries, and in 29% of the cesarean sections the low Apgar- and UA-pH-values seemed to be avoidable. However, the comparison of 1973-1974 and and 1975-1977 gives evidence that the percentage of Apgar-scores less than or equal to 6 at 1 minute or UA-pH-values less than or equal to 7,15 decreased from from 13% to 8%. Also the incidence of severe acidosis of the newborn (UA-pH less than 7,10) was reduced from 2,3% to 0.8%. Further prevention of early perinatal morbidity and improvement of fetal outcome seems to us possible by: 1. the reduction of premature deliveries, 2. a greater application of the intermittent intrapartal tocolysis to avoid mid forcipes, 3. an intensive training for the objective interpretation of cardiotocography.