MANAGEMENT OF PATIENTS UNCONSCIOUS FROM DRUG OVERDOSAGE
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Abstract
The problems of management of patients unconscious from drug overdose are considered on the basis of the experience from a prospective survey of 179 patients. Early in the series efforts were made to remove drugs by forced diuresis, but this was later abandoned, and it is considered that the main advantage of forced diuresis was the maintenance of the circulating blood volume rather than the removal of ingested drugs. Treatment is now conservative, with the emphasis on respiratory and cardio-vascular support and intensive nursing care. Complications are reviewed and the reasons for mortality are discussed.