Biological Evaluation of Hemoperfusion in Acute Poisoning

Abstract

Hemoperfusion with cartridges of coated activated charcoal or resins in acute intoxications has several theoretical indications that have been established by previous studies [1-5]: intoxication must be massive, the extracellular distribution of the drug must be high, the intoxicants must be measurable, and hemoperfusion should take place when the plasma level is maximum. For the physician working in intensive care units, complications do not appear as an additive indication: respiratory depression and cardiac failure or convulsions require immediate aggressive supportive treatment.