The Prevention of Puerperal Sepsis

The use of historical controls and concurrent controls to assess the effects of sulphonamides, 1936–1945

“…This research unit had been set up specifically for research into puerperal fever. At first, Colebrook concentrated on improving the standard of antisepsis and asepsis, which was surprisingly low at Queen Charlotte's Hospital when he took up his appointment, and he remarked on this at a lecture he gave at the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 26 …”

“…At first, Colebrook concentrated on improving the standard of antisepsis and asepsis, which was surprisingly low at Queen Charlotte's Hospital when he took up his appointment, and he remarked Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine on this at a lecture he gave at the College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. 26 It was only by chance that Colebrook saw a reference to Domagk's work in 1935. With considerable difficulty he managed to persuade Bayer to send him some Prontosil.…”

Puerperal fever, the streptococcus, and the sulphonamides, 1911-1945.

“…It was also shown that minor disorders such as "sore throats, sinus infections, so called colds, and influenza, impetigo, and small septic sores or burns" were a potent source of streptococcal infection. 39 In one investigation the Colebrooks found that in 48 cases of puerperal fever the source of infection was an attendant at the birth in 24 cases, a member of the patient's household in nine cases, the patient herself in six cases, and uncertain in nine. 39 The honest, if not reassuring, answer to the patient who asked: What is the cause ofpuerperal fever?…”

“…39 In one investigation the Colebrooks found that in 48 cases of puerperal fever the source of infection was an attendant at the birth in 24 cases, a member of the patient's household in nine cases, the patient herself in six cases, and uncertain in nine. 39 The honest, if not reassuring, answer to the patient who asked: What is the cause ofpuerperal fever? was "Usually your doctor or midwife; sometimes yourself, your family, or friends."…”

Discussion on the General Practitioner in the Midwifery Service

“…Confidence in hospitals had been stimulated by the Midwives Act (1936) and the work of Leonard. Colebrook (1936;Colebrook and Maxted, 1936) on the prevention of puerperal sepsis. After 1948 private nursing homes faded out so that by 1955 the maternity hospital, now a teaching hospital, looked after more than 80 % of the confinements of Cambridge women.…”