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Past, Present, Future

Hugh C. Thompson, MD

Am J Dis Child. 1984;138(9):804-809.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

This essay sketches the progress in and achievements of child health care (CHC) and the profession of pediatrics during the first four fifths of the 20th century. It emphasizes some important changes in content, education, organization of provision of care, financial aspects, and political forces for each era. It ventures a few predictions and suggestions regarding the remainder of the century.

THE FIRST THREE DECADES: 1900-1929

At the start of the century physicians provided emergency CHC, which most often involved infectious diseases. Specific drug therapy for infections was nonexistent. Meningococcal meningitis was 75% fatal; other forms were almost 100% fatal. Streptococcal disease was at its horrifying worst, with empyema, meningitis, quinsy, mastoiditis, and erysipelas as common manifestations. Diphtheria antitoxin and meningococcal antiserum were developed but were far from satisfactory. Preventive care consisted of prescribing complicated formulas, ascorbic acid and vitamin D, and general hygiene (fresh air, proper clothing, bathing). Pediatricians . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Pediatrics, Arizona Health Sciences Center, Tucson.

Footnotes
Reprint requests to Department of Pediatrics, Arizona Health Sciences Center, 1501 N Campbell Ave, Tucson, AZ 85724 (Dr Thompson).

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