MATERNITY DEATH RATE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21580, 27 February 1932, Page 4

MATERNITY DEATH RATE

REDUCED, BY SCIENTISTS SUCCESSFUL CANADIAN RESEARCH. Canadian scientists have carried out successful researches, which should bring about a considerable reduction in the maternity death rate. Dr Phaklaue Gee states that common salt has been found 1o be the cause of maternity toxemias which cause 200 deaths in Canada and 4500 in the United States annually. He describes a method of treatment developed by Dr V. J. Harding, ot the department of pathological chemistry, and Dr 11. B. Van Wyck, of the department of obstetrics, Toronto University, by which salt is eliminated from the diet of the patient, and the symptoms of toxemia immediately disappear. Dr Gee says Dr Harding told him: “ There is now no reason why the death rate in maternity .cases should not be lowered 25 per cent. Two conditions, however, must be observed. We cannot yet prevent the one set ■of symptoms, although we can cure them. When the mother receives proper pre-natal care, the first signs of toxemia will be recognised, and can be dealt with immediately.” The researches of the two doctors started in 1923. after they had discovered deaths from maternal toxemia* in Germany had decreased during the war, when the use of meat was restricted.