[On the protective effect of barbiturates on the brain during cardiac arrest (author's transl)]

In a suicide attempt a fifty year old woman took 100-200 tablets of barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Subsequently cardiac arrest occurred. Although the prognosis seemed infaust, full clinical recovery took place within a short time. The protection by barbiturates seems to be based on an inhibitory effect on cerebral oxidative enzymes. The maintenance of ventilation and blood pressure as well as the avoidance of pulmonary complications is crucial.