Citation

Schmitt MF, Hewer W. Fortschr. Neurol. Psychiatr. 1993; 61(9): 313-318.

Vernacular Title

Lebensbedrohliche Situationen durch Bolusaspiration bei stationar behandelten

Affiliation

Psychiatrische Klinik am Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, Mannheim.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Georg Thieme Verlag)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8225152

Abstract

Five cases of life-threatening bolus aspiration are described. Four patients could be rescued; an 48 year old woman died of an reflectoric bolus death, also called "cafe coronary". A review of the literature and the special conditions of our examples allow to define different predisposing factors for bolus aspiration: severe psychiatric illness, abnormal eating behaviour, local or spread brain lesions, dysphagia, old age, multimorbidity and newly institutionalised persons. Possible risk exacerbations by psychotropic drugs are discussed. The special threat to psychiatric patients is shown. Prevention of these dangerous situations consists of an individual dysphagia risk screening and of following certain rules concerning eating and medication. All staff members in psychiatric hospitals should be trained in life-saving techniques in bolus incidents.

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