Mass Accidental Salt Poisoning in Infancy

Abstract

In the first known incidence of a mass salt poisoning of infants, the case fatality rate was 6 of 14 exposed. Five died before the situation was recognized. All five whose brains were examined at autopsy showed hemorrhagic encephalopathy consistent with previous reports of salt poisoning in humans and animals. Eleven of 14 of these infants manifested neurological symptoms. Peritoneal dialysis was attempted in four patients, three of whom survived despite severe illness in two of them. The technique proved feasible under ordinary hospital conditions and may be instrumental in the recovery of patients. Some suggestions for improvement have come from the experience.