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Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment as a Useful Adjunctive Tool for Pneumonia
Published on: May 6, 2014
Lobar pneumonia treated by Musgrave Park physicians
John Hedley-Whyte1, Debra R Milamed
1David S Sheridan Professor of Anaesthesia and Respiratory Therapy, Harvard University 1400 VFW Parkway, Boston, MA 02132-4927, USA. john_hedley-whyte@hms.harvard.edu
The Ulster Medical Journal
|July 2, 2009
Summary
During WWII, penicillin was banned for civilian use. Two physicians attempted to circumvent this ban in 1941, leading to long-term consequences for patients and their careers.
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lobar pneumonia treatment evolved significantly between 1935-1945, with advancements in anti-sera and sulpha drugs.
- The introduction of penicillin marked a pivotal moment for treating bacterial infections, including Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- World War II imposed strict secrecy and bans on civilian penicillin use, impacting medical practices.
Observation:
- Two physicians at Musgrave Park attempted to bypass the civilian penicillin ban in 1941.
- Secrecy surrounding penicillin production was rigorously enforced during the war.
- The chosen treatment and penicillin's unavailability resulted in adverse outcomes.
Findings:
- The study examines the historical context of lobar pneumonia treatment during a critical decade of medical advancement and global conflict.
- It highlights the challenges faced by physicians seeking to utilize newly discovered antibiotics amidst wartime restrictions.
- The non-availability of penicillin had significant sequelae for patient care and physician careers.
Implications:
- This historical account underscores the impact of wartime policies on medical innovation and patient outcomes.
- It provides insights into the early struggles of implementing life-saving antibiotics like penicillin.
- The case illustrates the long-term professional and personal consequences stemming from critical treatment decisions made under duress.
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