[Premature birth rate, incidence of cesarean section and perinatal mortality between 1945 and 1980. An analysis of 55,000 births].

An analysis of the relationships among premature births cesarean section and perinatal mortality is presented using data on 56686 single births in the Federal Republic of Germany from 1945 to 1980. It is noted that perinatal mortality declined as the frequency of cesareans increased. However the authors suggest that further decreases in perinatal mortality through increased resort to cesareans are unlikely. (summary in ENG) (ANNOTATION)