Hemoperfusion with Amberlite resin in the treatment of self-poisoning

Ten patients with various intoxications were treated with resin hemoperfusion. Three of four patients with grade IV coma due to tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) poisoning could be extubated during or on termination of hemoperfusion. Clearance values of 135--185 and 190--200 ml/min were obtained for amitriptyline and nortriptyline, respectively. One patient with severe chloral hydrate poisoning could be extubated after less than one hour's hemoperfusion. A clearance of 140 ml/min was obtained in a uremic patient with AV block II due to digitoxin intoxication. Four patients with mushroom poisoning were treated with combined hemoperfusion-hemodialysis. A transient fall in platelet count was seen in all patients. Resin hemoperfusion is of definite value in selected, severe cases of self-poisoning with psychotropic drugs such as TCA and possibly in cases of mushroom poisoning where the prognosis with hemodialysis and supportive therapy is doubtful.