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Biomedical subjects

C E Becker

Publications and source records attributed to C E Becker.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1973

Phenothiazine poisoning. A review of 48 cases.

Of 48 cases of phenothiazine poisoning that were analyzed, 34 were attributed to suicide attempts, nine to accidental ingestion, and five to drug reactions. As outpatient treatment of schizophrenia increases, cases of over-dose with phenothiazine drugs may be expected to increase also. The prescribing of multiple phenothiazines and antidepressants is probably contributory to the occurrence of mixed drug ingestions. The symptoms and signs of phenothiazine poisoning are largely predictable if the atropine-like, alpha-blocking, quinidine-like, and extrapyramidal actions of phenothiazines are appreciated. Unexplainable tachypnea and paradoxical miosis were noted in severe cases. In one case in the study phenothiazine intoxication was present in the newborn infant of a schizophrenic mother.

Adult↗
PubMed1971

Thyroid storm. A review of cases at University of California, San Francisco.

Retrospective study of the diagnosis and management of the 8 cases of thyroid storm in a series of 400 hyperthyroid patients led to conclusion that thyroid storm is a clinical diagnosis based on a life-endangering illness in a hyperthyroid patient whose hyperthyroidism has been severely exacerbated by a serious precipitating illness, and that storm is manifest by the symptoms of hyperpyrexia, tachycardia and striking alterations in consciousness. No laboratory tests were diagnostic of storm, and the underlying precipitating cause of thyroid storm was the major determinant of survival. Vigorous therapy must include blocking synthesis of thyroid hormones with antithyroid drugs, blocking release of preformed hormone with iodine, meticulous attention to hydration and supportive therapy, as well as correction of precipitating cause of storm. The blocking of the sympathetic nervous system with reserpine or guanethidine or with alpha and beta blocking drugs may be exceedingly hazardous and requires skillful management and constant monitoring in a critically ill patient.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1970

Diabetic ketoacidosis. A review of cases at a university medical center.

Twenty-five cases of diabetic ketoacidosis were studied retrospectively with respect to clinical characteristics and results of therapy. In this series (as with all 88 patients admitted in the last five years with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis) there were no deaths. Infection was found to be the most common precipitating event, documented by physical findings and cultures in one-third of these cases. In about two-thirds of the cases, electrocardiograms which were read as abnormal on admission reverted to normal after therapy. In all patients serum potassium levels decreased from admission values; one patient became symptomatically hypokalemic. Low serum potassium levels on admission and early vigorous bicarbonate therapy are emphasized as major predisposing factors of symptomatic hypokalemia. None of the patients had overt hyperosmolar coma, lactic acidosis or cerebral edema during therapy.

Adolescent↗