(The papers by Drs. Hoxworth, Siler, McGrath and Zinninger, with the discussion, conclude the symposium begun last week.)
In the treatment of wounded persons general supportive measures are required to overcome effects of severe hemorrhage and shock, to secure proper water balance and nutrition, to aid in wound healing and to combat infection. The judicious use of water, electrolytes, whole blood, plasma and vitamins is an attempt to restore and maintain optimal physiologic conditions in order to enhance local healing and aid in general recovery. To define supportive treatment except in relation to an individual patient at a specified time is difficult, and definition properly can be made only after repeated careful clinical appraisal and use of laboratory guides as adjuncts at regular intervals. Also limitations may exist in the form and availability of substances to be used in any one clinic. Nevertheless a rational basis for administration of supporting