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Junior School was spreading and other measures of combating the
disease had to be considered.
It was known that a substance called gamma-globulin, prepared
from human blood, had been used successfully in America for the
prevention of infectious hepatitis, although it was not certain whether
the gamma globulin prepared from British blood donors had a similar
protective effect. We did know it was harmless however, and it was
worthwhile trying it out. An approach was, therefore, made to the
Central Public Health Laboratories at Colindale and Dr. McDonald
kindly promised us a supply. This was offered to all children attending
the Gascoigne Junior School, and 83% of the parents gave their
consent for the injections which were carried out on 29th November;
278 children were injected and of these only one subsequently developed
jaundice. This child became ill only 48 hours later and was thus
obviously about to develop the disease when the injection was given.
Of the 98 children who did not receive gamma globulin (either because
consent had not been given or because they were believed to have had
the disease already) 3 subsequently developed jaundice. These figures
suggest that gamma globulin was of value, but must be interpreted
with caution since the two groups of children may not have been
exactly alike. Those whose parents gave consent might possibly have
come from homes where the standards of hygiene and care were above
average, and wer cases might have occurred in this group even had
they not been injected.
Opportur, y for a reliable assessment of the value of gamma
globulin was provided in early 1955 and a short note on the results
might not be cut of place in this year's report. On the first day of
the Spring Term the Headmaster of Ripple Junior School telephoned
roe to say tha 0 or more of his pupils were away believed to be ill
with jaundice. Dr. McDonald was again approached with a request
for gamma globulin but unfortunately only about 200 doses were
available. Sir judging by the demand at Gascoigne, we were
expecting some 00 parents to ask for gamma globulin, an immediate
decision had to be made whether to inject all the children in certain
selected classes whether to give equal opportunities to all children
in the school. he latter alternative was chosen and parents were
asked whether they would like their children to have the chance of
having an injection; 432 parents gave their consent and alternate
names on class rolls were picked to receive the injections; 207 children
received injections of gamma globulin on the 19th January (7 others
chosen being absent), whilst 218 children were observed as "controls".
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