Sweat Gland Necrosis in Barbiturate Poisoning

Abstract

Early diagnosis of barbiturate poisoning may be difficult in comatose patients. The presence of irregular erythematous cutaneous lesions and bullae may be of aid in this respect. In my patient, there was sweat gland necrosis. To my knowledge, this microscopic finding has not been previously reported. Necrosis of sweat glands may contribute to temperature variations seen in barbiturate poisoning.