THE CLINICAL APPLICATION OF PITUITARY ADRENOCORTICOTROPIC AND ADRENAL STEROID HORMONES

Abstract

Admn. of ACTH and cortisone, to patients with generalized peritonitis and with severe infectious states which respond inadequately to chemotherapy, may improve their response. In allergic states and cases of rheumatoid arthritis long-continued therapy with gradual reduction in dosage represents a more effective procedure than intermittent therapy with frequent recurrences of the disease state. In tuberculosis, these compounds are viewed as being highly dangerous. In tuberculous meningitis in conjunction with adequate streptomycin and other chemotherapy, the use of hormonal therapy is considered to be definitely indicated on the basis of the results obtained. As adjuvant measures in patients who require long continued admn., testosterone, high protein, low salt, and low carbohydrate, as well as thorough adequacy of other dietary factors are considered to be most important. The ability of ACTH and cortisone to mask advanced and advancing pathology is considered to be the greatest potential hazard attendant upon their use.