Diagnosis of Tuberculous Meningitis

It may be that the clinical and pathological manifestations of haemolytic disease of the foetus and neWborn are initiated by the release of histamine, heparin, and possibly other as yet unidentified substances following the antigen-antibody reaction between the various Rhesus-factor group-specific substances and their several antibody globulins. The precise origin and intimate mode of release of histamine is not known with certainty even in many conditions for which there is substantial evidence that it is concerned. If the antihistamines do not prove of value in this connexion, this may possibly shed some light on the pathogenesis of haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn. Antihistamines may also have a place in the management of haemolytic transfusion reactions, and this is being investigated at this depot as and when opportunity presents. Although antihistamines produce side reactions such as drowsiness in some individuals, they are not so far as is known toxic substances and are unlikely to harm the mother or foetus. It is hoped to present the results of the investigation now in progress as soon as a sufficiently large series has been collected to make a statistically satisfactory assessment possible, but there is nothing to be lost by their use on a purely empirical basis, preferably in close collaboration with an experienced blood group serologist or the nearest regional blood transfusion officer. -I am, etc.,