The value of electroencephalographic recordings during eserine treatment for overdosage with anticholinergics is discussed, based on the results obtained in 6 cases. The results were spectacular in three cases, and a partial improvement was noted in one other case (suicide attempts with overdoses of atropine compounds), but only a slight effect was observed in two patients (with overdose of neuroleptics). Three points have to be underlined concerning the E.E.G. recordings: --eserine did not cause supplementary E.E.G. changes;--with eserine, the paroxystic abnormalities observed during overdoses of atropine compounds and amitriptyline rapidly disappear;--with mixed overdoses (atropine, barbiturates, or minor tranquillizers), eserine has no effect against non-anticholinergic products. Therapy with eserine, however, is still limited in its indications because of its short period of activity, its side-effects, and the possible risks of cardiac or convulsant complications.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Contribution of electroencephalography in tranquilizer withdrawal syndromes].

Withdrawal syndromes after discontinuation of benzodiazepine or meprobamate administration are rarely observed, in spite of the large number of prescriptions given. Similar manifestations are noted as after barbiturate withdrawal, and appear 1 to 10 days after sudden interruption of prolonged treatment at high doses. The 6 cases reported include 4 patients with withdrawal syndromes after benzodiazepines (diazepam, oxazepam, lorazepam) and 2 after meprobamate. No evidence of epilepsy was found in the patients, who were hospitalized for treatment after suicidal attempts, or medication overdosage (phenothiazine) in one case. Withdrawal symptoms appeared between the 2nd and 7th day with confusion and/or generalized convulsions and paroxystic changes with slow spike-wave type on EEG tracings. In such cases, precise information must be obtained about previous medication in order that it may be readministered and the diagnosis of epilepsy avoided in patients with withdrawal symptoms.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Acute ethylene glycol poisoning].

During last 7 years, 13 cases of acute ethylene glycol poisoning have been observed with 4 fatal outbreaks. All cases--except one--were accidental. Six patients had drunk a mixture of antifreeze in water as they were lost in a desert. A patient who had taken 970 ml of ethylene glycol survived. In one case, death was due to irreversible brain damage; two other fatalities occurred from cardiorespiratory distress. CNS involvement was noticed in 8 cases and acute renal failure-constantly controlled-occurred in 9 patients. Post mortem examination has shown bi-refringent calcium oxalate crystals in both kidney and brain. Specific treatment with ethanol has been performed in 3 cases with ingestion of large amounts of toxic who were seen before definitive renal lesions have occurred. Emphasis is placed in symptomatic treatment including gastric lavage, extrarenal epuration and conservative management.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied