THE DIFFICULTY OF EVALUATING DRUG TREATMENT IN SURGICAL INFECTIONS

Abstract

The sulfonamides have been called the "miracle" drugs, and it is true that certain infections respond dramatically to their use. However, one finds that there are many conditions in which they cannot perform miracles and where their benefit is questionable. In fact, many cases have been reported of disastrous effects. Now penicillin comes to the fore and is called the "wonder" drug. To what limits are these new agents "miracle" or "wonder" drugs? What is the basis for these popular enthusiasms? To what degree are these misconceptions in the minds of the members of the medical profession? Are our own medical reports at fault? These questions need answers. We have now had five or six years' experience with the sulfonamide drugs in various types of infections, and it ought to be possible to outline their indications and limitations. The unquestioned value of sulfanilamide was clearly proved when hemolytic streptococcus meningitis