PROGNOSIS. — The prognosis depends upon the origin of the phlegmasia and upon the nature of the complications. The danger of death from sudden ob struction of the pulmonary artery is al ways present until the thrombus has dis appeared or become thoroughly organ ized. Embolism has proved suddenly fatal as late as thirty-seven days after de livery.
— The principal indica tions for treatment are: opium to relieve the pain, cathartics if constipation be present, quinine, iron, good food, and restoratives to sustain the strength and rest for the swollen limb. The ex tremity should be kept either in an extended or flexed position, whichever proves the more comfortable, and sup ported on a pillow raised at the foot, with the pressure of the bedclothes kept off by a cradle. Hot fomentations have been advised, but greater relief obtains during the early stages of the swelling by wrapping the limb in cotton batting sprinkled with equal parts of belladonna and chloroform liniments, with oil-silk outside. If vesicles form on
the surface, they should be punctured and the fluid be allowed to escape. When the swelling is subsiding, and the limb begins to pit on pressure and the tenderness to subside, absorption may be promoted by gentle frictions with alcoholic lotions and by applying a light, flannel roller band age evenly over the entire limb. The pa tient should not be allowed for any reason to leave her bed until every trace of tenderness and thickening has disap peared from the veins. For some time after recovery the patient will do well if she wear a long elastic stocking, as the limb will swell, as the result of stand ing or of protracted exercise. Frictions, bandaging, and faradization may be re quired to relieve the swelling, oedema, and muscular weakness. In using fric tions of all kinds the danger of dislodging a thrombus is not to be overlooked.