CASE OF ACUTE RHEUMATISM RAPIDLY CURED BY SALICYLIC ACID.
By
Sorgeon-Major T. Civil
Surgeon,
Ringer, M.D.,
Dalhousie.
Numerous cases of Rheumatic fever have lately been reported in the various Medical Journals, successfullytreated by the Salicylates. I subjoin the notes of a recent case I have had in which a speedy recovery took
place.
20. The disease set in with all Mrs. ?, set. the symptoms of a very severe attack of catarrh, accompanied with ulcerated sore-throat, and enlarged glands of the neck, a sensation of coldness and stiffness of the body, followed in two days by a sudden petechial rash covering the trunk and upper extremities, and forming vivid crimson patches on the elbows, knees and ankles. The rash remainded for three days, sometimes disappearing altogether. At this time warm baths and diaphoretics were prescribed. On the fourth day there was considerable constitutional disturbance with great restlessness, intense thirst, and loss of appetite; with acute pain, extreme tenderness, and swelling of all the joints. Temperature 101'8 ; pulse 120 ; tongue coated with thick fur. 20 grains of Salicylic Acid with Carbonate of Ammonia and Bicarbonate of Soda were now administered every hour, and the affected joints wrapped in cotton wool. Second day.?Temp. 100*2 ; pulse 112 ; pain and swellling of joints less. Third day.?Temp. 99*2 ; pulse 96. Fourth day.?Temp. 98, pulse 92.?All swelling and pain gone, only slight stiffness in elbows and knees remainins;. On the fifth day the patient got up. The medicine was given every hour for the first twenty-four hours, then every two hours, and afterwards every four hours. After the first twelve doses she complained of deafness, noises in the ears, and drowsiness (similar to effects produced by large doses of quinine,) but these symptoms disappeared when the doses were less frequent. There were no cardiac complications, andconvalesceuce was uninterrupted, with rapid recovery of strength. Dalhousie, August Ylth, 1878.
By
Sorgeon-Major T. Civil
Surgeon,
Ringer, M.D.,
Dalhousie.
Numerous cases of Rheumatic fever have lately been reported in the various Medical Journals, successfullytreated by the Salicylates. I subjoin the notes of a recent case I have had in which a speedy recovery took
place.
20. The disease set in with all Mrs. ?, set. the symptoms of a very severe attack of catarrh, accompanied with ulcerated sore-throat, and enlarged glands of the neck, a sensation of coldness and stiffness of the body, followed in two days by a sudden petechial rash covering the trunk and upper extremities, and forming vivid crimson patches on the elbows, knees and ankles. The rash remainded for three days, sometimes disappearing altogether. At this time warm baths and diaphoretics were prescribed. On the fourth day there was considerable constitutional disturbance with great restlessness, intense thirst, and loss of appetite; with acute pain, extreme tenderness, and swelling of all the joints. Temperature 101'8 ; pulse 120 ; tongue coated with thick fur. 20 grains of Salicylic Acid with Carbonate of Ammonia and Bicarbonate of Soda were now administered every hour, and the affected joints wrapped in cotton wool. Second day.?Temp. 100*2 ; pulse 112 ; pain and swellling of joints less. Third day.?Temp. 99*2 ; pulse 96. Fourth day.?Temp. 98, pulse 92.?All swelling and pain gone, only slight stiffness in elbows and knees remainins;. On the fifth day the patient got up. The medicine was given every hour for the first twenty-four hours, then every two hours, and afterwards every four hours. After the first twelve doses she complained of deafness, noises in the ears, and drowsiness (similar to effects produced by large doses of quinine,) but these symptoms disappeared when the doses were less frequent. There were no cardiac complications, andconvalesceuce was uninterrupted, with rapid recovery of strength. Dalhousie, August Ylth, 1878.
