118 MODERN BIOLOGIC THERAPEUSIS 



Action of Serum Antipneumococcus Serum 

 places antibodies in the blood stream at once and 

 combats the invading bacteria, leaving the pa- 

 tient's tissue-cells free to build up vitality. The 

 serum exerts an abortive influence, for the tem- 

 perature falls rapidly and by lysis instead of by 

 crisis and the course of the disease is shortened. 

 There is also a change in the physical signs 

 which indicate resolution. The most marked 

 value of this serum is obtained when it is ad- 

 ministered early and in large doses. 



Dosage In the treatment of pneumonia with 

 Antipneumococcus Serum, relatively large 

 amounts of the serum are administered. The 

 treatment as recommended by clinicians who 

 have reported the most favorable results is to 

 inject 200 c.c. intravenously as the initial dose 

 in adults. (If the subcutaneous route is pre- 

 ferred, 100 c.c. are given in each side of the 

 anterior abdominal wall.) This dose is fol- 

 lowed in 12 to 24 hours by 100 c.c., and this 

 amount is to be repeated every 12 hours as long 

 as the temperature remains above 103 degrees. 

 If the temperature falls below 103 and the pa- 

 tient improves, injections of 50 c.c. may be given 

 daily until the temperature falls to practically 



