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Group 1 cases, numbering 24, were too far advanced on diagnosis
for any treatment to be of avail. This group is very important
from the point of view of spread of infection as such cases may have
been sputum positive for months or years and a potential menace
to the community.
Group 2 cases, numbering 5, died from a variety of causes
other than tuberculosis and their deaths were not attributable
to tuberculosis.
Group 3 cases had had various methods of treatment carried
out, which had unfortunately not checked the course of the disease.
These 11 cases may be regarded as the only failures of treatment.
The Treatment of Pulmonary Tuberculosis.—After the
war there was a great shortage of sanatorium beds, and patients often
had to wait twelve to eighteen months for a bed in hospital. From
1946 till 1950 therefore, much active treatment was carried on in
patients' homes, including chemotherapy and collapse therapy.
The results of this were very encouraging and many patients owe
their lives to it.
Now, fortunately, beds are more freely available and early
cases are admitted within two weeks.
Rest in bed is still the most important single factor which can
speed the healing process in tuberculosis. In certain types of case
streptomycin and para-amino-salicylic acid are given. These
substances have a remarkable effect in controlling acute disease.