[First experiences in severe intoxications with diaethylpentenamide (author's transl)]

14 patients suffering from diaethylpentenamide-intoxication were treated in the medical School Hannover, in the period from January 1 to June 6, 1978. 7 of the patients had to be treated in the intensive care unit, and of these 5 received haemoperfusion therapy. The indications for haemoperfusion were severe clinical symptoms and a plasma diaethylpentenamide-level in excess 285 mu mol/l. The duration of coma was significantly less for patients treated by haemoperfusions than for those without haemoperfusion. Although preparations containing diaethylpentenamide are only available through prescription in Germany now, it can be expected that these drugs will continue to be used in cases of suicidal intent. Haemoperfusion seems to be the most effective therapy of diaethylpentenamide-intoxication.