[Clinical observation in the premature rupture of membranes. Early detection of maternofetal infections].

One hundred patients with term pregnancy, were studied. There were placed in two groups of 50 each; one was the problem group with antecedents and confirmation of premature rupture of membranes; and the other group with intact amnios at the time of delivery, which served as controls. Clinical history, leukocyte count, temperature determination on admission and during trans-partum, leukocyte count in mixed blood from the umbilical cord and clinical surveillance were carried out, until 96 hours after delivery, of mother and child looking for sepsis signs. In the problem group there were 10 cases of maternal infection and 12 of newborns. There were no infections in the control group. There was no perinatal mortality. The most useful examination as to maternal and neonatal infection, was leukocytic count on admission, followed by trans-partum count and maternal temperature. Fetal leukocytic count above 12,500 per mm3 was useful in 70% of the newborns with complications.