[Encephalopathy, convulsions and hypopotassemia in theophylline poisoning: a case analysis]. / Encefalopatía, convulsiones e hipopotasemia en la intoxicación teofilínica: análisis de un caso.

A 73-year-old man was admitted to our hospital after convulsive seizures preceded by encephalopathy lasting one week. He had a history of long-standing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and analysis showed hypokalemia, respiratory alkalosis and toxic levels of theophylline. We discuss the severity of the convulsions and arrhythmias, the high incidence of hypokalemia in theophylline poisoning, as well as the role of hypokalemia in the pathogenesis of the convulsions and the high level of mortality in this type of intoxication. Other possible mechanisms involved in theophylline encephalopathy are mentioned, along with the controversial use of theophylline for continuous treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

[Reactivity of toxoplasmin intradermal test in neurotic and manic-depressive patients]. / Reactividad a la prueba intradérmica con toxoplasmina en enformos neuróticos y psicóticos maniacodepresivos.

Fifty patients with manic-depressive psychosis, 120 neurotics and 100 healthy individuals were studied. They underwent the toxoplasmin intradermal test. The highest percentage of reactors was found among patients with manic-depressive psychosis (66,0%). Patients with depressive neurosis accounted for the highest number among neurotics (55,6%). The intensity of reaction was higher among patients with manic-depressive psychosis. Neurotic patients were compared to schizophrenic patients from a previous study conducted by one out of the authors. It is concluded that the percentage of reactors is higher among patients with depressive mental disorders, and also that this percentage increases with mental deterioration in patients.