Search

Unlabelled: Intrauterine seizure is a rare event. Genetic predisposition and trauma are possible risk factors., Objective: To review and comment on the historical description of intrauterine events of a bastard daughter of Dom Pedro I (Maria Isabel Alcântara Brasileira - 1830-1896)., Method: Review of historical facts about the health of Dom Pedro I's daughter according to primary and secondary historical data., Results: According to historical accounts, Dom Pedro I's daughter suffered trauma during the intrauterine period that provoked intrauterine seizures. At the age of eight years, she developed self-limited and benign generalized epilepsy. Like her father, she had mood problems and also learning difficulties., Conclusion: Dona Maria Isabel's own report does not shown sufficient evidence to support the diagnosis of post-traumatic intrauterine seizures. Nevertheless, her family history suggests a genetic basis for her epilepsy.

It is well-known that Ignác Semmelweis discovered the etiology and prophylaxis of puerperal sepsis. However, few historians have focused on his understanding of the pathophysiology of fetal and neonatal sepsis. Based on several key observations, Semmelweis realized that puerperal fever (also known as "childbed fever") could be transmitted to the fetus, especially when the first stage of labor was prolonged and multiple examiners performed vaginal examinations while their fingers were contaminated. This insight was particularly valuable in that it helped him decipher the mystery of puerperal sepsis. This paper presents some of these concepts and supporting evidence.