Yet another blinder from Guys!! Besides measurement of FT4 what
else did they suggest. Treatment would surely be symptomatic
and the FT4 could easily wait until the next day. Guys, although
they will deny this, seem to suggest that in any suspected
poisoning the substance should be measured whether or not there
is any specific treatment or any known dose response. They also
put pressure on inquirers to get the measurement done as soon as
possible and if analysis is not available locally will offer to perform
them at Guys. As Dr Blumsohn suggests this type of advice puts
tremendous psychological pressure on those consulting them and
there may be legal difficulties if Guy's advice is not followed to the
letter.
There is a book out there for someone to edit a selection of Guys
stories.
Might I suggest that for common poisons the lab be the source of
advice to clinicians. Most of it is straight forward and there really is
no need for a medic to ring a poisons unit for simple paracetamol
overdose etc. On the other hand Guys and the other poisons units
(yes there are some) are essential for advice on the less commonly
taken substances.
Dr G.Michael Addison
Royal Manchester Children's Hospital
Pendlebury
Manchester M27 4HA
United Kingdom
Tel 0161-727-2250(AM)or 0161-220-5342(PM)
FAX 0161-727-2249
Email [log in to unmask]
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