Influence of potassium dichromate on tracheal secretions in critically ill patients.
BACKGROUND
Stringy, tenacious tracheal secretions may prevent extubation in patients weaned from the respirator. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with parallel assignment was performed to assess the influence of sublingually administered potassium dichromate C30 on the amount of tenacious, stringy tracheal secretions in critically ill patients with a history of tobacco use and COPD.


METHODS
In this study, 50 patients breathing spontaneously with continuous positive airway pressure were receiving either potassium dichromate C30 globules (group 1) [Deutsche Homoopathie-Union, Pharmaceutical Company; Karlsruhe, Germany] or placebo (group 2). Five globules were administered twice daily at intervals of 12 h. The amount of tracheal secretions on day 2 after the start of the study as well as the time for successful extubation and length of stay in the ICU were recorded.


RESULTS
The amount of tracheal secretions was reduced significantly in group 1 (p < 0.0001). Extubation could be performed significantly earlier in group 1 (p < 0.0001). Similarly, length of stay was significantly shorter in group 1 (4.20 +/- 1.61 days vs 7.68 +/- 3.60 days, p < 0.0001 [mean +/- SD]).


CONCLUSIONS
These data suggest that potentized (diluted and vigorously shaken) potassium dichromate may help to decrease the amount of stringy tracheal secretions in COPD patients.
Frass
Michael
M
Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Homeopathy, Duerergasse 4, A 8010 Graz, Austria. michael.frass@kabsi.at
Dielacher
Christoph
C
Linkesch
Manfred
M
Endler
Christian
C
Muchitsch
Ilse
I
Schuster
Ernst
E
Kaye
Alan
A
D000286:Administration, Sublingual; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D045422:Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; D016638:Critical Illness; D020878:Device Removal; D004304:Dosage Forms; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005100:Expectorants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011192:Potassium Dichromate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013396:Suction; D014132:Trachea / Q000378:metabolism*
D004304:Dosage Forms; D005100:Expectorants; D011192:Potassium Dichromate