ALCOHOL-OXYGEN VAPOR THERAPY OF PULMONARY EDEMA: RESULTS IN FIFTY ATTACKS

Abstract

The results of ethyl alcohol-O2 therapy by inhalation in clinical pulmonary edema are reported. This therapy was based on previous exptl. and clinical studies indicating the beneficial action of an antifoaming agent directly within the tracheobronchial tree. Two methods of admn. were considered satisfactory: that employing a nasal catheter and 95% alcohol is most suitable for conscious patients; that employing a mask and 30-40% alcohol is more convenient in unconscious patients. Ethyl alcohol by inhalation was used in 50 attacks (40 acute, 10 subacute) presented by 45 patients. Selection of cases and evaluation of results are discussed. Ethyl alcohol vapor-O2 by inhalation were used exclusively in 14 attacks. An excellent result, frequently with dramatic improvement, was noted in 12 (85%); max. benefit usually occurred within an hr. Ethyl alcohol-O2 vapor was used after failure of conventional therapy in 23 attacks. Objective improvement occured in 15, promptly in 12. Response was similar in 6 other attacks but a waning effect of previous therapy could not be discounted. Subacute or protracted pulmonary edema is defined. In 10 cases improvement following treatment was good in 3, moderate in 2, and min. in 2; 3 failed to improve. Toleration of therapy was excellent in 47 of 50 attacks. Bronchoscopy failed to reveal untoward local changes in 1 case. Ethyl alcohol by inhalation is recommended for patients with shock (including coronary patients), in central nervous system lesions and in pregnancy.