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1934. In general, the type encountered was mild, although many
severe cases occurred. One case of haemolytic streptococcal
septicaemia was admitted (vide infra), recovery taking place.
Ninety-five per cent, of the above patients were given antiscarlatinal
serum which, in the more severe cases, was given intravenously.
The wide use of this serum continues to justify itself in
the rapid subsidence of acute symptoms, the avoidance of septic
complications and the general well-being of the patients. The
Schick and Dick tests were applied in all cases, and immunisation
offered in the case of all patients under five years of age and in all
Schick-positive cases.
Of a series of 235 consecutive cases:—
80.9 per cent. were discharged in four weeks.
7.7 per cent. were discharged in five weeks.
11.4 per cent. were discharged in from five to nine weeks.
Complications for this series totalled 27 cases or 11.5
per cent., which may be analysed as follows:—
Otorrhoea 3.4 per cent.
Adenitis 3.5 per cent.
Endocarditis 0.8 per cent.
Nephritis1.3 per cent.
Rhinitis 2.5 per cent.
There were no deaths from scarlet fever during 1935, compared
with a mortality rate of 0.58 per cent, during 1934.
The age incidence of the patients admitted was
0—5 5—0 10—15 15 + Total
94 138 47 65 344
The following is a resume of a severe case of haemolytic
streptococcal septicaemia following scarlet fever:—
J.W.C. Four years, was admitted on June 6th, 1935,
with scarlet fever. A septicaemic condition was present,
and blood culture showed a pure growth of haemolvtic
streptococci. In all, 200 ccs of antiscarlatinal serum were
given, and the patient continued to run a temperature
between 100 and 102 for 10 weeks. . During this period