Resin hemoperfusion in chloroquine poisoning

A 46-year-old woman was admitted after ingestion of 10 g chloroquine phosphate. The patient's clinical condition deteriorated with characteristic ECG changes, low blood pressure, and respiratory depression. Resin hemoperfusion (HP) was started 4.5 h after admission at a flow of 250 mL/min for 4 h. Clearance over the resin column was 136 mL/min. Although the patient rapidly improved, a total of no more than 200 mg (2%) was removed. Total body clearance of chloroquine was increased by only 5% during HP. Treatment should therefore be directed toward aggressive supportive therapy rather than techniques to increase elimination.