Abstract
By this paper the results in the use of autoserum in 56 cases of leprosy were published (35 of L. nodosa, 16 of L. nervorum and 5 of L. maculosa). The experiments carried out in the following two series.
A) First the influence of autoserum upon common leprous symptoms was observed in 14 cases. In this group 10cc. of the serum was injected once a week for six months.
B) In the second group of 42 cases we studied the influence of autoserum on lepers who were suffering from acute symptoms of the eyes such as iritis, iridocyclitis etc. In this group 1 to 3cc. of autoserum was given once or twice a week for about one year.
From the experiments above mentioned we noticed the following facts.
1) Autoserum of lepers was effective in 26 of 56 cases, not effective in 28 cases in which, however, the serum caused no aggravated condition. In two cases we observed deleterious action.
2) Autoserum was usually effective in acute cases, but not in chronic cases.
3) The serum showed a desirable effect upon leprous macule, acute leprous infiltrations, neuralgia and especially iritis and iridocyclitis as well as so called leper fever.
4) In 3 cases of L. nervorum the patients could leave the hospital, since macules and acute infiltrations entirely disappeared and leper bacilli were never found.
5) The serum was also somewhat effective upon nodules (chronic leprous infiltrations). In some cases the nodules disappeared and during the injection leprous symptoms of L. nodosa did not seem to get worse.
6) Desirable effects were not obtained with the serum in cases of leprous ulcers, anesthesia and macular atrophy.
7) Subcutaneous injections of autoserum caused no marked by-effects. During the injection leprous symptoms and complications were not aggravated.It might, therefore, be said that autoserum had a preventive action in all cases and the effect was considered to be the same as or a little better than that of oil of gynocardia
