Classifications of coma.

Coma classifications have been a matter of debate for over 35 years. The Glasgow Coma Scale is now widely accepted but its indiscriminate application has often led to misuse. The various methods that have been devised can be divided into two types, coma scales and coma scoring systems. In this critique the origins and values of these methods are analysed.

Prussian blue in the treatment of thallium intoxication.

Five cases of severe thallium poisoning are presented. Dithizone treatment in one case resulted in worsening of the clinical signs with death of the patient. All the other patients, including a newborn baby with transplacentar intoxication, were successfully treated with Prussian Blue.