Death from an Unconventional Therapy for AIDS
Authors: Robert E. Hirschtick, Susan E. Dyrda, LoAnn C. Peterson
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1994)

Letters15 April 1994Death from an Unconventional Therapy for AIDSRobert E. Hirschtick, MD, Susan E. Dyrda, MD, and LoAnn C. Peterson, MDRobert E. Hirschtick, MDNorthwestern University Medical School; Chicago, IL 60611Search for more papers by this author, Susan E. Dyrda, MDNorthwestern University Medical School; Chicago, IL 60611Search for more papers by this author, and LoAnn C. Peterson, MDNorthwestern University Medical School; Chicago, IL 60611Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-120-8-199404150-00021 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:Unconventional therapies are frequently used by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected patients [1]. We describe a case in which an unconventional therapy contributed to a patient's death.A 51-year-old man with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), cytomegalovirus retinitis, and disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex infection, having read about the purported value of hydrogen peroxide therapy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, injected 35% hydrogen peroxide into his subclavian vein catheter. He subsequently developed nausea, dark urine, hypotension, and tachycardia, and was hospitalized. He had a hemoglobin concentration of 33 g/L (previously, 81 g/L), a creatinine level of 310 mmol/L ...References1. Greenblatt RM, Hollander H, McMaster JR, Henke CJ. Polypharmacy among patients attending an AIDS clinic: utilization of prescribed unorthodox, and investigational treatments. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 1991; 4:136-43. Google Scholar2. Hamill AI. Nutrition and the immune system: alternative treatments. In: Eidson T, ed. The AIDS Caregiver's Handbook. New York: St. Martin's Press; 1988:46-77. Google Scholar3. Gregory SJ, Leonardo B. Conquering AIDS Now with Natural Treatment. Tree of Life Publications; Warner Books; 1986. Google Scholar4. Jordan KS, Mackey D, Garvey E. A 39-year-old man with acute hemolytic crisis secondary to intravenous injection of hydrogen peroxide. J Emerg Nurs. 1991; 17:8-10. Google Scholar5. Jandl JH, Engle LK, Allen DW. Oxidative hemolysis and precipitation of hemoglobin. I. Heinz body anemias as an acceleration of red cell aging. J Clin Invest. 1960; 39:1818-36. Google Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: Northwestern University Medical School; Chicago, IL 60611 PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited ByVaccines, Resource Allocation, and Unproven TreatmentsHydrogen Peroxide PoisoningUse of Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Patients with HIVUse of Complementary and Alternative Therapies in HIV-Infected PatientsEditorial: Cardioprotective Effects of ω-3 Fatty Acids: A Critical Review That Should Be Read by a Wide Range of Health ProfessionalsClinincal Observations: Nutrient Supplements in Clinical CareHealth Behavior in Persons with HIV and AIDSDrugs used in non-orthodox medicineLiterature WatchMan with AIDS dies from use of unconventional therapy.Principles of Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Cancer 15 April 1994Volume 120, Issue 8Page: 694KeywordsAIDSBloodHIVHIV infectionsHemoglobinHemolytic anemiaTachycardiaToxicityUrineVeins Issue Published: 15 April 1994 CopyrightCopyright © 1994 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF DownloadLoading ...