Korean J Med.
2002 Dec;63(6):706-710.
Hemoperfusion and continuous hemodiafiltration in a paraquat poisoned patient
- Affiliations
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- 1Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea. scychul@yahoo.com
- 2Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea.
Abstract
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Extracorporeal elimination techniques have been frequently used in paraquat poisoning. But the effect of these techniques is controversial. Plasma paraquat concentration falls rapidly during first few hours after ingestion as the compound is taken by the tissues and excreted by the kidney. Tissue binding is very strong, resulting in slow release of substance from the tissues into the plasma. Thus, once the substance has reached its body stores, it is very difficult to eliminate. For these reasons, any effective extracorporeal elimination therapy should be initiated as early as possible, while paraquat concentrations are high and thereafter, continuous elimination therapy should be maintained to keep plasma paraquat levels as low as possible and remove the toxin as it enters the circulation from tissue stores. We present a case of paraquat poisoning treated by hemoperfusion and hemodiafiltration on this theoretical basis.