OBSTETRICS.
Uva Ursi, a substitute for Ergot. By E. G. Harris, M.D., of Fayette,
Alabama.—I wish to call the attention of the medical profession to Uva
Ursi, as a substitute for Ergot, in producing uterine contraction. Whe-
ther it will produce all the effects, or answer all the indications of that
drug, I am not able to say; but I do know, that it will produce consi-
derable uterine contraction when given during labor. Since December
last, I have given it in five cases, in all of which it acted more efficiently
than ergot. In three of these cases the pains had ceased entirely, from
exhaustion of nervous energy. A strong decoction of uva ursi was given
every ten minutes, and in thirty minutes the pains had increased con-
siderably, and in from one to one and a half hours, the delivery was
effected and the placenta expelled, the uterus contracting well, and no
untoward symptoms taking place. In the other two cases the pains
had not ceased, but were fast doing so. I gave them bountifully to two
of my new yjcirtzmeji/s—one of them was delivered in fifty minutes, the
placenta following in less than five; the other in an hour and twenty
minutes, the placenta in ten. In all these cases the head occupied the
superior strait at the time I commenced giving the medicine, in conse-
quence, no doubt, of inefficient uterine contraction. The os uteri was
in good condition in all the cases. Directly after the exhibition of the
uva ursi, the pains would become strong and propulsive, lasting about
the ordinary length of time; then going completely off, leaving the
patient free from pain, except that produced by pressure upon the soft
parts; the placenta soon followed; the uterus contracted well, and no
hemorrhage more than ordinary. There was little or no tonic contrac-
tion until after the expulsion of the placenta, when it was complete.
I am aware these five cases are not sufficient to establish its reputation
as a therapeutic agent in labor, yet the result of the past encourages me
to give it a further trial; and should its use in the future prove as suc-
cessful in the hands of my professional brethren as it has in mine, I
shall feel amply rewarded for any trouble I may have been at in bring-
ing it to their notice. I was first induced to use it by being called to a
case where the pains had ceased; and having no ergot, and knowing the
effect it had on the kidneys and bladder, I gave it as above described.
I prefer it to ergot, for the following reasons :
1st. Because there is no danger in it; you may give it ad libitum.
It is well known that ergot often produces nausea and vomiting, and
sometimes slow weak pulse, cold extremities, dilatation of the pupils, &c.
2d. Although it increases the propulsive efforts of the uterus, yet it
does not produce that tonic contraction which is so painful to the mother,
and at times so hazardous to the life of the child, until after the delivery
is affected: this is generally far otherwise with ergot. More than once
have I seen a young and healthy mother give birth to a well developed
but dead infant—not from the poison being absorbed by the mother,
and through the circulation destroying the child, but alone by the pow-
erful tonic contraction of the uterus compressing the umbilical cord,
arresting the circulation, &c. Often have I seen the placenta retained
for hours, and in two cases for a day and night after it had been entirely
detached from the uterus, by the firm and unyielding grasp of that
organ—all brought about by the free administration of ergot.
My plan for giving it is as follows :
B. Uva ursi, a good article, 2 oz.
Boiling water,	1 pint.
Pour the water on the leaves in a pitcher or bowl, stir it till it becomes
cool enough to drink, and give one-fourth as hot as it can be drank every
ten or fifteen minutes, until it has the desired effect. Attention should
always be paid to the condition of the os uteri, dimensions of the pel-
vis, &c.—Southern Med. and Surg. Journal.