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129
Early notification is of great importance from both the preventive
and curative sides of Tuberculosis work. It is unfortunate
that in some cases its onset is so insidious that it passes unnoticed
until considerable damage has been done; whilst in others, the
patient in an endeavour to remain at work, and in the hope that
the trouble will pass off, ignores symptoms until after the stage
of curability has passed. The periodic medical examination of the
whole population, as is now applied to public Elementary School
children would, in the case of this one disease alone, probably be
an economic asset.
The success of a Tuberculosis Scheme may be judged on the
number of persons dying from Tuberculosis without having been
notified, or only notified shortly before death. The Croydon figure
is a fairly satisfactory one but it can be improved upon.
In a certain number of predisposed persons periodic medical
examination might lead to apprehension. The early detection of
disease is, nevertheless, of paramount importance.
In 27.7 % notification preceded death by less than six months.
For Non-pulmonary Tuberculosis the proportion of non-notified
fatal cases to the total deaths from this form of the disease was
54.5%. In other words, out of a total of 22 deaths, 12 were not
notified during life; only 2 of these 12 cases died at home, one of
whom was certified by a Coroner. The other 10 cases died in
Hospital.
Of the total deaths from Tuberculosis of all forms, 23 or 12.5%,
were not notified prior to death, compared with 12% in 1932.
Interval Between Notification and Death From Pulmonary
Tuberculosis in Cases Dying in 1933.