ABSTRACT
PIP: A severe case of poisoning with hypertonic sodium chloride used as an abortifacient agent in a 23-years-old woman is described. ultrasonic examination during the 28th week of gestation indicated the anencephalic fetus. The patient underwent puncture of the posterior vaginal wall and instillation of the 25% sodium chloride. The patient successfully recovered from anesthesia, but 15 min later she became cyanotic, febrile, and comatose. Blood chemical analysis indicated abnormally high levels of sodium and chloride. Cytological examination of urine specimen showed elevated erythrocyte count. Computed tomography indicated bilateral foci of cerebral ischemia. Treatment included intravenous infusions of glucose solution, vitamin C and potassium chloride, administration of diuretics, diazepam and calcium gluconate. The patient was discharged 24 days later.^ieng