Published in the Burbank Daily Review, Monday February 28, 1966
Drug is possible cause of local woman's death
A 19-year-old former Burbank woman died Saturday February 26, 1966 from a possible reaction to a drug she had been taking for headaches. The victim, Patricia DeSoto, who had been living in Montrose, died in a Los Angeles hospital where she was reportedly being treated for a reaction to the drug Gilantin.
Montrose sheriff's deputies said the girl had been taking the drug for headaches and fainting spells. It had been prescribed by Dr. Foster Gossard of Glendale, on the advice of a neurological specialist, to treat the woman's alleged nervous disorder, according to the girl's parents.
An associate of the girl's doctor, Dr. Robert Lowrey, told deputies the drug is commonly prescribed in such cases. The drug sometimes causes reactions, however, the doctor reportedly told deputies. In rare cases it causes a reaction known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which causes the body to blister. The reaction is usually fatal, the doctor said.
Miss DeSoto broke out with the measles-like blisters and was taken to Los Angeles County General Hospital a week ago, according to her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John DeSoto of 818 S. Sunset Canyon Drive.
A local druggist said the drug is a member of the antihistamine group, and is a sedative. He said the drug is commonly used in treating brain disorders. He feels reaction from the drug could be attributed to the condition that necessitated its use.
The girl graduated from Burbank High School and attended Glendale College before going to work for a Los Angeles insurance company as a secretary.
Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the Burbank First Presbyterian Church, under the direction of Eckermans Funeral Service. The case has been assigned to the county coroner.
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