Maternal Death Associated with Excessive Ingestion of a Chlorothiazide Diuretic

Report of a Case

Abstract

The fatal illness of a gravida during the second trimester of pregnancy is described. It was characterized by coma, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and hypochloremic alkalosis. Its onset was antedated by massive ingestion of a chlorothiazide diuretic during a 3-week period. Postmortem examination uncovered diffuse brain swelling, an alteration in keeping with the electrolyte imbalance present during the last few days of life.