Attention has been drawn to the toxicity of chloramphenicol in young infants.1 Recently it has been suggested that poor renal and hepatic function accounts for the prolonged retention of the free drug, with consequent toxic effects.2 A dose of 50 mg. per kg. body weight per 24 hours for newborns up to 4 weeks was suggested in January, 1959, by Parke, Davis & Company.
Probable chloramphenicol toxicity is illustrated by the following case seen in consultation.
Report of Case
A baby girl, aged 6 weeks and weighing 4530 gm. (10 lb.), was admitted to Kennewick General Hospital on April 30, 1960, at 1:00 a.m. with a 2 day history of cough, cold, and fever. On examination, an acutely ill child with a temperature of 100 was found. Grunting respiration at 60 per minute was noted, with scattered rales throughout the right lung field. The abdomen was soft and