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99
SCARLET FEVER SERUM CASES.
Total cases treated 224 (118 males; 106 females).
Total cases uncomplicated 73.2%.
(1) Type of Case.
The serum was given in cases which on admission had some or
all of the following symtoms:—
(1) Marked general erythema.
(2) Marked infection of throat with dirty tonsils.
(3) Enlarged sub-maxillary glands.
(4) Rhinorrhoea.
(5) Abnormally high temperature.
(2) Method of Administration.
The serum was given intra-muscularly in the thigh. The
quantity of serum given in a single dose was 10 c.c.; in some cases
this was repeated in 24 hours.
(3) Rashes.
Fifty-four cases developed serum rashes which were either
urticarial or morbilliform, often limited to the area around the site
of injection and lasting 2-3 days without leaving any staining: this
equals 24.1%.
Rashes were more numerous with some batches of serum than
with others. No case of serum illness developed as a result of
serum injections, though headache, slight oedema, slight joint pains
and a slight rise of temperature occurred in some, which lasted
from 24-48 hours.
(4) Influence of Serum on course of disease.
This might be considered under the following:—
(a) Effect of Temperature.
The temperature came down rapidly after serum administration
but in some cases the fall was more gradual taking 2-6 days to
reach normal. With the fall of temperature the patients stated
they felt much better and the throat condition improved.
(b) Length of Stay in Hospital.
Serum treated cases. 40.6 days.
Non-serum treated cases, 40.8 days.