SPECIFIC TREATMENT OF THE PNEUMOCOCCIC PNEUMONIAS; AN ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OF SERUM THERAPY AND CHEMOTHERAPY AT THE BOSTON CITY HOSPITAL FROM JULY 1938 THROUGH JUNE 1939

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Abstract
The significant factors concerning the results of treatment in 1037 cases of pneumococcic pneumonia admitted to the Boston City Hospital during the 1938-1939 season were analyzed. Specific serums and sulfapyridine were each found to be effective in reducing the death rate and in bringing about rapid clinical improvement. The combination of serum and sulfapyridine was effective in the cases with the worst prognosis. Both horse and rabbit serums were effective, but the latter were more concentrated and were used in the poorer risks. Rabbit serums gave fewer allergic reactions than horse serums. Severe untoward reactions from either serum or sulfapyridine were infrequent. Sulfanilamide was not very effective either when given alone or as a supplement to serum therapy.