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Research work.
The research work undertaken at Queen Mary's hospital for children during
the year has been as follows :—
Etiology of rheumatism,.—In conjunction with Dr. Stuart Harris of St. Bartholomew's
hospital, and Dr. L. W. Cann of Guy's hospital, bacteriological and pathological
investigations were commenced in 1934. The work is still in hand, and it is
hoped to carry it further during the year 1935.
Acid metabolism in rheumatic children.—Investigations as to the acid metabolism
in cases of acute and subacute rheumatism, rheumatic carditis and chorea, as shown
by analysis of the urine, is being undertaken in conjunction with Dr. Wilfred Payne,
of the Hospital for Sick Children, Great Ormond Street, London. The investigation
is at present incomplete, and will be continued during the present year.
Anthropometric investigation of rheumatism.—In conjunction with Dr. Matthew
Young, of the Department of Anatomy and Embryology of University College,
London, a large number of rheumatic children have been investigated anthropometrically.
Interesting data have been obtained, but the lack of accurate knowledge
of the anatomical dimensions of English children between the ages of 5 and 16
greatly reduces the value of this work.
Immunisation against diphtheria.—During 1933 and 1934 a large number of
trials have been carried out to test the efficacy of certain preparations containing
diphtheria toxoid. It has been suggested that by the simple method of inunction
children could be rendered immune to diphtheria. The results obtained were most
disappointing, and it would appear that the preparations used in this investigation
are of very little, if any, value.
Insufflation of iodine and boric acid in otitis media.—This method of treatment
of chronic otitis media was commenced in 1933, as stated in the last annual report,
and was continued during 1934. The results obtained have been favourable, and
it is now used as the standard method of conservative treatment.
Urinary calculi.—An investigation has been conducted, in conjunction with the
Council's chemist, into the composition of urinary calculi in children, particularly
those occurring in association with treatment by recumbency.