The remote results of collapse therapy in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis

1. The results are presented of an investigation into the remote results of collapse therapy in 630 patients suffering from open pulmonary tuberculosis. 2. The fatality incidence is presented, a in all cases, b in those cases wherein treatment resulted in sputum conversion, and c in those cases where treatment failed to produce sputum conversion. 3. The difference in the results obtained in the two latter groups is illustrated graphically. 4. A short review is included of the results of a few investigations of a comparable nature. 5. The incidence of complications together with the causes of death in both groups of patients 2b and 2c above is discussed and it is indicated that all cases appear to die of pulmonary tuberculosis eventually, even although the expectation of life of the negative group may be considerably prolonged. 6. The urgent necessity for early diagnosis and more especially for the provision of early treatment is discussed and a suggestion is made for this provision. It is suggested that collapse therapy is valueless and may not he without danger if it is maintained after it has become evident that it will not result in sputum conversion.