Vol. 60, 1909 - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Late Researches in
Diphtheria Therapy
Investigations by Fritz Meyer (Berlitur Klinisthe Wochenschri/i, June
28, 1909; editorial comment, Medieal Record, July 31, 1909) on the
effect of diphtheria toxin and antitoxin upon the heart, demonstrate:
1. "Antitoxin, if administered early in sufficient doses,
absolutely prevents the fall of blood-pressure."
2. "if given later, but before the fail has occurred, it
delays the onset ; but
?. " If given after the pressure has once fallen, it is quite
without effect."
4. " Antitoxin given early in sufficient dose prevents myocarditis
after the injection of toxin in any amount."
Meyer states that large doses of Antitoxin given early will eliminate
cardiac complications and postdiphtheritic oaobexla. He recommends
5000 units as first injection, and when this is not promptly
effective, 20,000 to 50,000 units at a dose.
These doses conform with those of McCollum and other competent
observers, who, recognizing the danger in giving too small doses to
neutralize the toxins, advocate 5000 to 40,000 units.
A CONSERVATIVE RULE IS:
Administer 1000 units for immunizing.
No therapeutic dose should be less than 3000 to 5000 units.
in laryngeal, postnasal, severe or neglected cases, 10,000
units.
if marked improvement is not noted within eight hours,
double the initial dose or give at least 10,000 units.
Mulford's Antitoxin is a thoroughly reliable product. Its
record is unsurpassed. You do not experiment in specifying
our brand. Valuable literature mailed upon request.
H. K. MULFORD COMPANY
PHILADELPHIA