LETHAL BRONCHOPHRAXIS IN ASTHMATIC SCHIZOPHRENICS WITHOUT STATUS ASTHMATICUS

Abstract

Sudden unexpected death occurred in two schizophrenic males with chronic intrinsic bronchial asthma because of bronchophractic asphyxia resulting from endobronchial accumulations of inspissated viscud mucus, even though preterminal respiratory distress was a relatively insignificant feature. The possibility of atypical "adult" mucoviscidosis as an etiologic factor is suggested. This experience justifies scrupulous attention to the maintenance of a satisfactory bronchial toilet by means of mucolytic preparations in asthmatic schizophrenics even when respiratory symptoms are clinically benign.