Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2026

Removal of Trace Elements by Cupric Oxide Nanoparticles from Uranium In Situ Recovery Bleed Water and Its Effect on Cell Viability
Published on: June 21, 2015
Massive arsenic poisoning--effect of hemodialysis and dimercaprol on arsenic kinetics
D Mathieu1, M Mathieu-Nolf, M Germain-Alonso
1Service d'Urgence Respiratoire et de Réanimation Médicale, Hôpital A. Calmette, Lille, France.
In massive arsenic poisoning, the use of hemodialysis and dimercaprol (BAL) therapy is still controversial. Hemodialysis is thought of value only for supportive care. BAL therapy has been criticized because of its delayed action, its own toxicity and its possible influence on arsenic clearance during hemodialysis. We studied arsenic kinetics during an acute suicidal intoxication (10 g of sodium arsenate). Treatment included gastric lavage, oral charcoal and supportive measures. Hemodialysis was performed immediately and repeated the next day. BAL therapy was prescribed only on the second day. Cardiovascular collapse, anuria and hepatic disturbance recovered in a few days and the patient could be discharged on the 15th day. Instantaneous serum arsenic hemodialysis clearance was 85 +/- 75 ml/min without previous BAL injection and 87.5 +/- 75 ml/min with a previous 250 mg BAL injection (difference not significant) indicating that BAL did not impede arsenic dialysis. The calculated total hemodialysis clearance of arsenic was higher than mean serum hemodialysis clearance indicating that erythrocyte bound arsenic is also eliminated during dialysis. We propose to consider early hemodialysis as an elimination measure in massive arsenic poisoning and to choose BAL as a chelator when dialysis is required.
In massive arsenic poisoning, the use of hemodialysis and dimercaprol (BAL) therapy is still controversial. Hemodialysis is thought of value only for supportive care. BAL therapy has been criticized because of its delayed action, its own toxicity and its possible influence on arsenic clearance during hemodialysis. We studied arsenic kinetics during an acute suicidal intoxication (10 g of sodium arsenate). Treatment included gastric lavage, oral charcoal and supportive measures. Hemodialysis was performed immediately and repeated the next day. BAL therapy was prescribed only on the second day. Cardiovascular collapse, anuria and hepatic disturbance recovered in a few days and the patient could be discharged on the 15th day. Instantaneous serum arsenic hemodialysis clearance was 85 +/- 75 ml/min without previous BAL injection and 87.5 +/- 75 ml/min with a previous 250 mg BAL injection (difference not significant) indicating that BAL did not impede arsenic dialysis. The calculated total hemodialysis clearance of arsenic was higher than mean serum hemodialysis clearance indicating that erythrocyte bound arsenic is also eliminated during dialysis. We propose to consider early hemodialysis as an elimination measure in massive arsenic poisoning and to choose BAL as a chelator when dialysis is required.
Related Concept Videos
Enhanced Elimination of Poison
Antidotes serve a crucial role in counteracting the effects of poison by inhibiting enzymes responsible for producing harmful drug metabolites. In some cases, these toxic metabolites can be neutralized by endogenous cosubstrates, which are maintained at specific concentrations to prevent interaction with cellular macromolecules and subsequent cell death.
Renal excretion is the...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis
Extracorporeal Removal of Drugs: Hemoperfusion and Hemofiltration
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

