London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Croydon 1924

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Croydon]

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132
were found to be the subjects of heart disease, which had reached a
stage of balance, and were placed under observation.
128 children, or 1.7 per cent., were referred for treatment on
account of anæmia.
(i) Diseases of the Lungs (non-tuberculous) were in 39 children
(0.5 per cent.) found sufficiently marked to need treatment.
(j) Tuberculosis.
Apart from 3 cases of suspected tuberculosis of the lungs, 1 of
spinal tuberculosis, and 1 of joint tuberculosis referred for treatment,
the great majority of the cases traced were those of glandular
tuberculosis. 67 cases (0.8 per cent.) were referred for treatment,
and 58 (0.8 per cent.) for further observation. These were all in the
first instance sent to the tuberculosis dispensary for special
examination.
(k) Deformities.
66 cases (or 0.9 per cent.) of spinal curvature were found during
routine medical inspection and were referred for treatment, and
209 slighter cases (2.8 per cent.) were noted for further observation.
This prevalence has in some instances been associated, in the
opinion of the inspecting medical officers, with the continued use
of obsolete types of school desks in individual schools. It is satisfactory
to note that these older desks are being steadily replaced
by others of a modern type. The attendance of children with
spinal curvature at the Remedial Exercises Clinic, and at the special
corrective classes at four schools has no doubt proved a stimulus in
the diagnosis of the condition at a comparatively early stage at
these schools.
(l) Goitre.
At the request of the Board of Education, note was kept of all
children aged1 12 years showing enlargement of I he thyroid gland.
The result was as follows:—
No. of children recorded—1,107.
No. with enlargement of thyroid gland—slight, 43;
marked, 1—Total, 44.
Percentage with enlargement of gland—4%.