BMJ · 1944 · 35 citations · 0 references
The interest of the case, recorded below lies in the success- ful use of a method of treatment not hitherto applied to man. It was felt that the following considerations, which seemed to indicate a probably fatal outcome, justified its adoption: (1) The large quantity of carbon tetrachloride alleged to have been swallowed-30 to 40 ml. The maxi- mum therapeutic dose is 4 ml., but fatalities have been reported with doses as low as 1.5 ml. (2) The probably complete absorption of the drug. Immediate symptoms indicated a rapid entry into the circulation. Vomiting was not induced until 45 minutes after ingestion. (3) The speed with which the liver enlarged. (4) The delay of 19 hours between the accident and the institution of treatment.