STUDIES OF VELOCITY AND THE RESPONSE TO INTRAVENOUS INJECTIONS

Abstract

In chemotherapy the optimum therapeutic result is obtained by the introduction of the specific agent in quantities that suffice to destroy the noxious invader without seriously or permanently injuring the cells of the host. Under controlled conditions, this ideal is approached in animals that have been experimentally infected with syphilis and then promptly and adequately treated with arsphenamine.1 In human syphilis the problem offers greater difficulties: treatment is delayed, the dosage must be augmented, idiosyncrasies are encountered, there occur technical errors in the administration of the drug, and untoward reactions may follow varying from mild and transitory disturbances to fatal poisoning. In a previous communication, one of us (Hyman 2 ) demonstrated that the rapid intravenous introduction of pharmacologically active or inert chemicals, drugs and biologic fluids may give rise to alarming and, at times, fatal symptoms—a syndrome which was termed speed shock. It was further shown that the slow intravenous