Hemoperfusion with Amberlite Resin in the Treatment of Self‐Poisoning

Abstract

Ten patients with various intoxications were treated with resin hemoperfusion. Three of 4 patients with grade IV coma due to tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) poisoning could be extubated during or on termination of hemoperfusion. Clearance values of 135-185 and 190-200 ml/min were obtained for amitriptyline and nortriptyline, respectively. One patient with severe chloral hydrate poisoning could be extubated after less than 1 h hemoperfusion. A clearance of 140 ml/min was obtained in a uremic patient with AV block II due to digitoxin intoxication. Four patients with mushroom poisoning were treated with combined hemoperfusion-hemodialysis. A transient fall in platelet count was seen in all patients. Resin hemoperfusion is of definite value in selected, severe cases of self-poisoning with psychotropic drugs such as TCA, and possibly in cases of mushroom poisoning where the prognosis with hemodialysis and supportive therapy is doubtful.