Studies on Epidemic Influenza: Comprising Clinical and Laboratory InvestigationsUniversity of Pittsburgh. School of Medicine
History
Studies on Epidemic Influenza: Comprising Clinical and Laboratory Investigations
University of Pittsburgh. School of Medicine
Influenza; Influenza Epidemic, 1918-1919
It was hoped that it would be possible to follow selected cases over
considerable time periods, observation to compromise coordinated
clinical as well as laboratory data, but the exigencies of the situation
rendered this impossible. Unfortunately, this limits the value of the
studies. But since similar observations were made on cases ranging from
normal to the gravest severity—in fact, preceding death but a few hours
in some instances—and from the nature of the findings, certain
conclusions are clearly warranted.
It is regrettable that the data on certain points is not more extensive,
and particularly that other methods of observation were not employed. As
an example of the latter, measurements and analyses of expired air may
be given, as this was planned from the beginning and unsuccessful
efforts made to provide the required apparatus. In view, however, of the
circumstances of the investigation, it is felt that the studies made
are, on the whole, reasonably comprehensive and complete. And it is only
fair here to acknowledge that this was rendered possible by the cordial
and practical support of the Medical School, the military authorities,
the director of the laboratories, clinical colleagues, particularly Dr.
W. W. G. Maclachlan, and last, but not of less importance, of the
members of the department who made the studies.
In presenting the results, it is deemed most expedient and practical to
omit extensive tabulations and to summarize the data under each subject.
From the report it will be obvious that certain studies were in
preliminary stages at the termination of the investigation. This was due
in certain instances to the lateness of their undertaking, or time
consumed in providing essential equipment and methods; or to
disappearance of suitable cases due to waning of the epidemic.
RESULTS
_Circulation_
For the most part, cases showing marked clinical symptoms were studied.
The pulse in severe cases frequently was weak and rapid but regular. In
some cases it was less rapid than the clinical state would seem to
indicate.
_Arterial Blood Pressure_ was low; systolic pressure in severe cases
ranging downward from 95, and diastolic down to 40 or under. In patients
in early stages of convalescence the pressure showed a marked advance
toward normal levels. Arterial blood pressure seemed a reliable general
index of the condition of the patient.
_Venous Blood Pressure._—The observations included patients who a few
hours later expired. The Von Recklinghausen method was used. No marked
abnormality was observed, so other methods of observation were deemed
superfluous.
_Respiration_
In severe cases, frequently it was rapid and of shallow character; but,
like the pulse, often it was less rapid than the clinical state would
seem to indicate.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account