[The problem of the increased perinatal mortality in premature breech deliveries, compared to premature vertex deliveries (author's transl)].

The perinatal mortality of 115 premature breech deliveries is compared to that of 843 vertex deliveries. No difference is found when birth weights at 100 gram intervals are compared. These results are statistically checked. The authors show that comparisons at 500 gram intervals are insufficient and can lead to wrong conclusions. When all premature deliveries without birth weight groups are compared the contrary results are statistically very significant. These results are in concordance with the perinatal mortality figures of mature infants born by various methods. The investigations lead to the conclusion that the mode of delivery has no essential influence on the neonatal prognosis. Mere breech presentation by itself is no indication for different delivery than for all premature deliveries. It is not so important to treat the breech presentation as it is to prevent premature deliveries.