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
Assistance from the laboratory was meager, especially in the early days
of the epidemic. This was due largely to the inability to get laboratory
workers in sufficient numbers to follow the work through, but more
largely to the fact that we were unable to interpret the unusual
laboratory results which were available. When we were once fully aware
of the difficulties in diagnosis which confronted us, we utilized every
practical means at our disposal. Among these was an examination of the
chest with the X-ray. On account of lack of facilities and of help, it
was impossible to make routine X-ray examinations of the chest in all
cases. Besides, it was difficult to interpret the X-ray findings, on
account of the unusual character of the lesions. Also, many of the
patients were so desperately ill one hesitated to disturb them. We hear
that other clinics had similar experiences, and that very little
substantial help came from the X-ray, except in cases with
complications. Several attempts were made to determine the kind of
shadow, if any, the “cyanotic, œdematous, wet” lung would make, but no
satisfactory observations have been forthcoming. From our own
observations and from the discussions of other observers, it would seem
to us that the stereoscopic examination of these chests is the only
possible way of getting satisfactory plate readings in these cases where
the pathology seems so lawless in its extent and peculiar in its
distribution. This method of examination, however, demands facilities
convenient at the bedside and perfect co-operation of the
patient—difficult conditions to meet under the circumstances. In the
acute cases, when the desire to make a diagnosis not only of the
presence but of the extent of the disease was keen, X-ray examination
was largely impractical. In cases of delayed resolution, or in cases
with complications with prolonged convalescence, X-ray examinations were
extremely helpful.
_Diagnosis of Influenzal Pneumonia_
In the consideration of any disease the well-trodden path of a
painstaking history, a thorough physical examination, and reliable
laboratory investigation, together with an intelligent interpretation,
will usually lead to a definite diagnosis. In certain diseases, as is
well known, the stress must be placed about equally on all of these
factors, while in others one or other factor predominates. In influenzal
pneumonia, until more is known of the etiology (bacteriology) and of the
pathological changes and of the physiological disturbances, the
controlling factor in the diagnosis (we feel embarrassed to admit) must
be the history. This is true not only of the diagnosis of influenza with
or without pulmonary involvement, but is also true of the diagnosis of
the various complications, and will be found to be particularly true in
the recognition of the bizarre sequelæ, which no doubt in the succeeding
months or years will be attributed to or will follow in the train of
influenza.
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