Suicidal chloral hydrate poisoning.
BACKGROUND
The cumulative reports of chlorate hydrate toxicity suggest an unacceptable risk for this commonly used sleep aid.


METHODS
A 29-year-old male was admitted after ingestion of 70 g of chloral hydrate. He was hypotensive and hypothermic. Spontaneous respiration was insufficient. Fluid resuscitation did not restore adequate blood pressure levels. Low dose catecholamine infusion resulted in ventricular arrhythmias. The patient was treated with combined hemoperfusion and hemodialysis during an eight hour period. During this time, serum concentrations of trichlorethanol fell. Blood pressure and heart rate increased and consciousness was regained without signs of neurological deficits.


CONCLUSIONS
Although outcome was favorable, this case report illustrates the potentially high acute toxicity of chloral hydrate and supports its removal from the market.
Ludwigs
U
U
Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.
Divino Filho
J C
JC
Magnusson
A
A
Berg
A
A
D000328:Adult; D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000506:poisoning*; D002697:Chloral Hydrate / Q000506:poisoning*; D006464:Hemoperfusion; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000506:poisoning*; D008297:Male; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013406:Suicide, Attempted
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D002697:Chloral Hydrate