Numerous agents have been used in the treatment of infants with tetany. These may be divided into two groups: (1) substances which effect an immediate but transient rise in the serum calcium, for example, calcium chloride and parathyroid extract, and (2) those with a slower but more lasting effect, namely, ultraviolet radiant energy, irradiated cholesterol and irradiated ergosterol. It is our purpose in this paper to describe the effect of the second group of agents on the clinical manifestations and the serum calcium of infants with tetany.
ULTRAVIOLET RADIANT ENERGY
The curative effect of ultraviolet radiant energy on infants with tetany was first demonstrated by Huldschinsky1 in 1920. Similar results were obtained by Sachs.2 Hoag3 and Casparis and Kramer4 found that the clinical improvement following irradiation is accompanied by a rise in the calcium concentration of the serum from low tetanic values to normal. Kramer, Casparis