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Published on: January 25, 2015
Use of extracorporeal therapies to treat life-threatening intoxications
Kyle Deville1, Nathan Charlton2, David Askenazi3
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1600 5Th Ave S, Park Place Suite 202, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA.
Insights
Extracorporeal removal, often via hemodialysis, can treat severe pediatric toxic ingestions. Clinicians should consult resources like the Extrip organization for rapid decision-making in these emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Toxicology
- Nephrology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Toxic ingestions represent a major cause of severe illness and death in children.
- Emergent situations necessitate prompt and informed clinical management, including extracorporeal therapies.
Approach:
- This review outlines substance properties influencing extracorporeal removal efficacy.
- It details current extracorporeal treatment modalities, highlighting hemodialysis as a primary option.
- The Extrip organization's quick reference guide and decision-making framework are introduced.
Key Points:
- Substance characteristics determine suitability for extracorporeal clearance.
- Hemodialysis is frequently the optimal extracorporeal method for poison removal.
- The Extrip website offers valuable tools for rapid clinical guidance.
- Novel membranes and techniques show promise for enhanced intoxication clearance.
Conclusions:
- Familiarity with extracorporeal removal principles is crucial for managing pediatric poisonings.
- Utilizing available resources like the Extrip guide can improve patient outcomes.
- Ongoing research into new membranes may further optimize treatment for toxic ingestions.
Abstract:
Toxic ingestions are a significant cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality, with some requiring extracorporeal removal for therapy. Given the emergent and life-threatening nature of such scenarios, it is paramount that clinicians caring for intoxicated children be familiar with the subject. This review summarizes the following: (a) the properties of a substance which lend it amenable to removal; (b) the current extracorporeal treatment modalities available for such removal (of which hemodialysis is typically the ideal choice); (c) an introduction and framework to use a quick reference guide from the Extrip organization, which has a website available to guide clinicians' rapid decisions; and (d) new membranes/approaches that may optimize clearance of certain intoxications.
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