AN EVALUATION OF THE MASSIVE DOSE THERAPY OF EARLY SYPHILIS

Abstract

Ehrlich first attempted to cure syphilis with massive doses of arsphenamine, but because of unsatisfactory results the use of massive arsenotherapy was replaced by multiple injection plans with the interim administration of heavy metals. These methods require uninterrupted therapy over a long period of time. In 1933 Chargin, Leifer and Hyman, using the method of slow intravenous drip, again revived the massive dose procedure. Within a period of five days these workers administered from 4 to 4.5 Gm. of neoarsphenamine. In 1938 the frequency of untoward reactions with neoarsphenamine, especially the appearance of peripheral neuritis, persuaded them to substitute an arsenoxide in preference to neoarsphenamine. In view of the degree of success indicated by the initial results reported by the New York group, it seemed advisable to extend the work in order to make further evaluation of the hazards and effectiveness of this new treatment scheme. A plan was evolved