This study had for its objects: (a) An evaluation of calcium therapy in the urticarias as based on the blood serum calcium content; (b) An inquiry, as based on certain changes in the blood, into the tendency to group all urticarias among allergic phenomena; (c) An evaluation of ephedrine therapy in urticaria.
Calcium salts in the treatment of adult urticaria and, more particularly, the urticarias of serum sickness, are advocated by a number of authors. Certain observers claim for them, especially in the latter forms, not only curative but also definite prophylactic properties. In the Handbook of Therapy,1 calcium is advocated in those instances in which simple measures—diet and alkalinization—fail, and in the giant urticarias. These are the types with which the dermatologist ordinarily comes in contact. Again, it is stated that the relationship of diminished blood serum calcium to some angioneurotic edemas and to some of the urticarcia-like