THIOCYANATE PSYCHOSIS

15 December 1951

journal article
research article
Published by American Medical Association (AMA) in JAMA

Vol. 147 (16) , 1554-1558
https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1951.73670330001012

Abstract

This is a presentation of seven cases of thiocyanate psychosis, two of which were fatal, one having been studied at autopsy. An additional case of combined bromide and thiocyanate intoxication is described. The literature has been reviewed with regard to the toxicity of thiocyanate in the treatment of hypertension; in particular, reports of fatal cases have been examined. During the last half-century medical observers have argued for and against the use of thiocyanate. From a perusal of the voluminous literature that has accumulated only two things seem firmly established: 1. Its effectiveness, either as a symptomatic remedy or as a drug useful in reducing blood pressure, is by no means generally accepted. 2. Toxic manifestations are relatively common. Having fallen into disrepute about 25 years ago, thiocyanate came into favor again in 1936 when Barker¹ described a rapid and easy chemical method of following the blood level accurately. He

Keywords

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:

HYPERTENSIVE HEADACHE TREATED WITH POTASSIUM THIOCYANATE
The Lancet, 1947