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ARTICLE:
Ellice Lieberman, Janet Lang, Douglas K. Richardson, Fredric D. Frigoletto, Linda J. Heffner, and Amy Cohen
Intrapartum Maternal Fever and Neonatal Outcome
Pediatrics 2000; 105: 8-13 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]
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[Read eLetters] Maternal Fever, Begging the Question
Lance Chilton   (24 January 2000)

Maternal Fever, Begging the Question 24 January 2000
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Lance Chilton,
pediatrician
Lovelace Medical Center

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Re: Maternal Fever, Begging the Question

lance{at}unm.edu Lance Chilton

The article by Lieberman et al. on the adverse effects of maternal infection is important and interesting, but I cannot find in it a suggestion regarding maternal care. I would suggest (and will suggest to the obstetricians who care for infants in our hospital) that they consider adding a discussion of this study to the risks associated with epidural analgesia (along with the previously documented increase in infant fever and septic workups). I hope that many mothers might choose the long-term well-being of their infants over a short-term decrease in the pain of labor.

Intervention in natural processes is not always positive.