Treatment of Diphtheria by the Serum.

Manawatu Herald, 4 January 1896, Page 3

Treatment of Diphtheria by the Serum.

Our Paris correspondent Writes : — The "Russian Ministry of Medicinal Affairs, recently addressed enquiries to physicians in public as well as in private practice, concerning the success of the treatment of diphtheria by the serum, and received in return 1849 reports, comprisingr 6626 cases 2460 of which were treated in hospitals. Of the total number 86.5 per cent recovered, 12 9 per cent died, and the remainder were still under treatment. Of the hospital patients 80.5 recovered, and 19-5 per cent died. In 4871 cases the physicians gave their appreciatoin of the value of the serum. In 55.6 per cent thereof the serum was characterised as certain, in 80. 8 per cent as probable, while in 18.6 per cent of the cases the serum had apparently produced no effect. It was described as decidedly harmful in only 60 cases, of which nevertheless 42 recovered, and only 18 died ; it proved innocuous in 4544 cases. In the 60 cases aforementioned the patients suffered from cutaneous eruptions, albuminuria, pains in the joints, cardiac" disturbances, nephintis and general debility ; it is however not believed that the inquiry has shown that symptoms occur more frequently in consequence of the anti-toxic treatment, although cutaneous eruptions and pains in the joints may be considered as likely to accompany the method. The authorities have come to the conclusion that the treatment with the serum exercises a favourable influence on the course of iha disease, and that, its continued employment is fully justified.