Corticotropin (ACTH) and cortisone; newer concepts of their use in clinical practice

Abstract

On the basis of three years' experience with corticotropin and cortisone, it seems probable that the place of these hormones in clinical medicine will be one of increasing importance. At present they may be used to attain certain specific objectives:1. To return a large number of chronic invalids to a place of full activity in the community. This applies particularly to patients with rheumatoid arthritis and bronchial asthma. Many years of continuous therapy will be required in the majority of such patients.2. As life-saving agents in patients with certain diseases of unknown etiologic delineation that almost always cause death. In some patients treated for some of those diseases, therapy may eventually be discontinued.3. As life-saving agents (in conjunction with intensive antibiotic therapy) in patients with severe infections inadequately responsive to chemotherapy alone. Many of the untoward effects of hormonal therapy may be minimized or prevented by appropriate adjuvant measures.