Response by the Authors

Abstract

Mr. Teitelbaum finds it difficult to draw conclusions relevant to experience in the U.S. from our paper recently published in Clinical Toxicology. Our experience from Norway has been supported by others (1, 2). From earlier reports, as those referred to by Mr. Teitelbaum, we expected that the drug analyses would be helpful in the treatment of our patients. Surprisinqly we found that the benefit from the extensive screening program was much less than expected and would not have influenced the choice of treatment. Clearly there must be important differences between the U.S. and Norway (and other European countries as well?) that account for this. A single reason is hard to find, rather a combination of several factors.