TRIAL OF DR. KOCH'S LYMPH.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 7866, 18 May 1891, Page 3

TRIAL OF DR. KOCH'S LYMPH.

The first operation in Christchurch in experiment of the celebrated Dr. Koch's consumptive lymph was performed at tho Hospital on April 29th in tbe presence of many of the medical profession. The patient is a young woman named Louisa McDonald, and is suii'ering from consumption. The lymph was injected into the back between the shoulders by Dr. Lomax Smith, partner to Dr. Prins, who supplied it. A syringe, specially made Oy S. Maw and Co., of London, for this purpose, was used, and the operation was performed iv a room specially set apart for the reception of the patient Tbe gentlemen present who witnessed the undertaking, iv which the very greatest interest is evinced were, in addition to the two already mentioned, Drs. •Stewart, Oveudeu, Deamer (2), Proton, Manning, the House Surgeon to tbe Hospital, and the surgeon from H.M.S. Curagoa. Tbe dose was only a quarter of that usually administered to au adult by Dr. Koch, being half a milligramme of the original lymph. The pure lymph is a liquid, dark brown in color. After the reaction, which is expected to be over in from twenty-four to forty-eight hours, a second injection of tbe same sized dose ■■•'ill be made, and tbe injections are to be administered at periods until it is ascertained by the absence of further reaction tbat the system of the patient will permit a stronger dose should such be found to be necessary.

From inquiries made at the Hospital in the evening, we learnt that the symptoms were so far very favorable. Tiie temperature of the patient had risen from 98.4 to 100.4. She had sud'ered from a slight headachu, and slight increase of cough, otherwise she had felt well all the afternoon, and slept quietly. Her pulse registered 120.

Dr. Murray, of Kaiapoi, has a female patient suffering from chronic lupus, and an experiment is to be made on her with, the lymph in the course of the week Information of tbe time will be giveu to the medical profession, and every facility oiiered at the Hospital for the successful carrying out of che operation. On Saturday a three milligramme and on Sunday a four milligramme dose was administered to the patient at the Hospital. She has exhibited a fair re-action. The female who is suffering from chronic lupus arrived in Christchurch from Kaiapoi on Saturday. The lupus patient treated at the Dunedin Hospital by Dr. Koch's tuberculine is gradually recovering, and there is every prospect of a cure. A fresh case of consumption was subjected to the treatment on Friday.