Infantile Cirrhosis of Liver.

Abstract

This interesting little book takes up a subject that is almost entirely unknown to American readers. The type of cirrhosis described is apparently peculiar to the southern part of India. Its importance there is revealed by statistics showing that the number of deaths in Calcutta since 1908 has varied between 727 and 561 a year, almost all of these occuring in children under 5 years of age. The book is based on a study of forty-eight cases and five necropsies. The author regards the condition as an intercellular cirrhosis of the liver. He thinks that the condition is due to dietetic errors occurring in children either totally or partially artificially fed. The symptoms are well presented, as is the subject of differential diagnosis. With the usual means of treatment, the patients nearly all die; but at least a fair percentage can be saved if a rational diet is given, hygienic