[The effect of "standardized forced diuresis" (SFD) on serum and urinary electrolytes(author's transl)]

The effect of standardized forced diuresis (SFD) on the serum and urinary electrolyte levels was investigated in 10 cases of severe self-poisoning with hypnotic drugs. Diuresis was initiated by furosemide and maintained at an hourly urinary ouput of 2 litres. Fluid and electrolyte substitution was carried out with a standardized electrolyte solution. Initiation and termination of the SFD was performed abruptly. The mean values of sodium, potassium, chloride and phosphorus in the urine varied widely at the beginning of the SFD, while the calcium and magnesium values varied only slightly. During SFD, urinary stabilization occured at a particular ionogram, in correlation to the electrolyte concentrations in the infusion fluid and with only minimal individual variation. Owing to this satisfactory correlation, none of the patients developed signs of electrolyte disturbances, so that no correction of the infusion constitution was necessary. The abrupt termination of the SFD prevented electrolyte disturbances in the recovery phase.