title: Silent duodenal perforation. A difficult diagnosis in iatrogenic barbiturate coma.
abstract: Iatrogenic barbiturate coma for the control of intracranial hypertension is a relatively new addition to the neurosurgeon's therapeutic armamentarium. Although initial studies are quite promising, the induction of coma, especially for prolonged periods (ranging from days to weeks), is a major therapeutic endeavor which requires sophisticated monitoring of both neurological and physiological function. A multidisciplinary approach prevents many possible complications of this form of therapy and facilitates treatment when untoward physiological complications do occur. The following case report illustrates one such complication.
mesh_terms: D000063:Accidents, Traffic; D000328:Adult; D001463:Barbiturates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003128:Coma / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications*; D004381:Duodenal Ulcer / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010439:Peptic Ulcer Perforation / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D011559:Pseudotumor Cerebri / Q000517:prevention & control
chemical_list: D001463:Barbiturates