[Hand disinfection as the central factor in prevention of puerperal mastitis. Clinical study and results of a survey].

The incidence of puerperal mastitis was evaluated in the course of two 12-month periods with and without additional hand disinfection at the bedside. Disinfection was available throughout both periods for all patients, mounted at the door of each room. Without additional disinfection at the bedside, 32 patients developed mastitis. With reference to the birth rate of 1095 during this period, the incidence of mastitis was 2.9%. When additional bedside disinfection was available, mastitis dropped to 8 cases per 12 months (1212 births = 0.66%) (p less than 0.001). A telephone survey, at 55 obstetrical units revealed that 41.8% of maternity clinics do not provide hand disinfectants at the bedside. These results indicate to the breast-feeding mother, that in the pathogenesis of puerperal mastitis, the essential recommendation emphasises, that puerperal women practise strict hygiene in maternity.