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Consulting continental statistics, Dr. Rumpf of Freidrichsheim states that
of 541 cases treated, 75.6 per cent. of those whose malady was in the first stage
were discharged able to work.
Durability of Results —For the purpose of inquiring as to the durability of the
results obtained by sanatorium treatment, the statistics of German Sanatoria are
more reliable, as they are not of such recent origin as English institutions.
Dettweiler's important report states, that out of 1,022 cases of confirmed
consumption treated during a space of 10 years at Falkenstein, 132 patients were
discharged as absolutely cured. After a period of from 3 to 9 years, he wrote to
99 of the 132 cases, and received replies from 98 of them. Dettweiler learnt that
11 patients had died of affections which were not tubercular; 12 had suffered
from recrudescence of their consumption, and had again recovered completely;
3 were still ill with consumption; the remaining 72 patients maintained their
recoveries. That is to say, 72.5 per cent. of the patients discharged cured, retained
their satisfactory positions after the lapse of from 3 to 9 years.
The results by Dr. Rumpf of Freidrichsheim are almost identical, but refer
to a period of only two or three years subsequently to the discharge of the patients.
Of those received in the first stage of their malady 75.6 per cent. were still able to
work.
Of the 143 patients treated at the Mudesley Sanatorium during the last 5 years,
47 or 32.86 per cent. of the whole number were considered fit for work at the end of
their course.
In to 5 years after their discharge:—
36 or 76.6 per cent. maintained their satisfactory condition.
3 or 6.39 per cent. relapsed.
6 or 12.76 per cent. there were no history.
2 or 4.25 per cent. died.
Of the last number, one died from appendicitis and the other from pneumonia.
At the Kelling Sanatorium which has been open for 6 years, it is stated that when
the cases are taken in hand at an early stage of the disease, over 60 per cent. make
recoveries which allow them to keep at work for at least 5 years.
Educational effect of the Treatment.—In connection with this subject, we must
not forget that the mission of the Sanatorium is not only to afford all the possible
alleviation to the patient, while he is an inmate, but it also fulfils the important
function of educating the patient. He obtains information as to the best way of
keeping his disease in check, and he also learns how to minimise the danger of infection
for his fellows, and is able to apply these principles in his own home afterwards.