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67
Calcium Salts are sometimes used in the hope of stimulating
calcification of tuberculous lesions. The gluconate intramuscularly
and intravenously has been found to be the most reliable preparation.
Vitamin Therapy. Cod Liver Oil continues to be of great
value, not only because of its value as a food due to its high
percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, but also because of its
potency in respect of two fat-soluble vitamins, namely, A and D;
one serving to increase resistance to infection, and the other promoting
the metabolism of Calcium. Vitamin C Therapy: Clinical
research has shown that the tuberculous subject makes an
increased demand on Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) with the
result that its excretion as measured by the urine is considerably
lower than that execreted by the normal subject. The more
active the disease the lower is the urinary excretion of vitamin C,
and this excretion can to some extent assist in assessing a prognosis.
In view of this reduced Vitamin C excretion the possibility
of using Ascorbic Acid as a therapeutic measure in pulmonary
tuberculosis becomes a practical proposition.
Insulin continues to be used, where the important nutritional
aspect requires attention, with very satisfactory results in selected
cases. Details of its use have been outlined in previous reports.
Tuberculin is also being used in a few cases where the possibility
of stimulating further fibrosis arises. The careful spacing
of doses to avoid severe reactions and its use to the limit of tolerance
require the closest attention.
It will be seen, therefore, that our patients have every opportunity
of benefiting to the full—be it by Thoracic Surgical methods
which are being increasingly utilised, or by Drug Therapy of various
kinds—by advances in treatment. At the same time, the
fundamental background of the Sanatorium regime with its opportunities
for prolonged rest, and graduated exercise when indicated,
is never lost sight of.
X-ray Investigations in Diagnosis and Treatment.
With the introduction of our new apparatus it is now possible
to produce chest radiographs with the best possible