METROPOLITAN HOSPITAL SUNDAY FUND

1913 The Lancet  
read a short communication upon The Use of Copper Salts in the Treatment of L1bpus Vulgaris. Injections of the chloride or tartrate into the lupoid tissue itself had proved of value in several cases. The combination of copper with lecithin had been recommended by Dr. A. Strauss, of Barmen. Internal administration of copper chloride in doses of 1/6 gr. was useful at the same time. FRIDAY, JULY 25TH. Dr. DoRE read a paper on The Use and Action of X Rays in Psoriasis and Other Skin diseases, in
more » ... ch he dealt with the action of X rays on psoriasis, eczema, lichen simplex and planus, acne vulgaris, coccogenic sycosis, and hypertrophic scars. X rays affected chiefly the epithelial structures. The epidermic cells underwent degeneration, with increase of pigment and of keratohyalin. Atrophy of the hair follicles and of sebaceous and sweat glands occurred. The blood-vessels became dilat2d and their endothelial coats showed proliferation. The connective and nerve tissues were only slightly affected. The action of the rays on glandular tissue was seen in their effects on the sweat glands in hyperidrosis, on the spleen in leukasmia, on the thyroid in Graves's disease, and on the testicles in X ray workers. Dr. Hernaman-Johnson considered X rays even in small doses were harmful to young cells. Dr. Dore thought that clinical results confirmed the view that young and rapidly growing cells were susceptible to X rays. Small doses were efficient in psoriasis, in mycosis fungoides, and in sarcomata. In mycosis only half-pastille doses were required. Sabouraud's pastille was the usual method of measuring a given dose, tint B representing the maximum safe dose at a single exposure. Slightly under the B tint dose caused stimulation ; slightly over caused atrophy of the epidermic structures. Dr. Dore then discussed therapeutic dosage. One-quarter of a pastille dose stimulated ulcers ; in psoriasis and chronic eczema half doses yielded the best results. Full pastille doses were required for epilation, as in ringworm and staphylococcic sycosis, and in some cases of alopecia areata. The tint B might be slightly exceeded when there was hypertrophy of the horny or fibrous tissue. In acne and hyperidrosis pastille doses should be repeated every three weeks. The treatment of psoriasis was then reviewed at length. Dr. Dore had found obstinate patches yielded to half-pastille doses repeated at weekly intervals for four or five times; full doses were not I so successful. Inflammatory reaction was harmful. Recurrence of psoriasis could take place after X rays, but did I not appear so soon as after any other method of treatment. In eczema of the hands, fingers, and nipples half-pastille doses of X rays often succeeded after the failure of other methods. Hypertrophic lichen yielded to full pastille doses. He had seen two cases of hypertrophic scars cured by 11 pastille doses at monthly intervals. In alopecia areata small doses were not of much avail; epilation doses had to be employed, and were usually followed by regrowth. However, in cases of total alopecia of long duration X rays usually failed, like everything else. Dr. HALDIN DAVIS (London) read a paper on
doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(01)76546-4 fatcat:syqx7ax3rrhzxp3v2gnw5gbe6q