Extracorporeal Therapies in Acute Intoxication and Poisoning

Abstract The chapter provides an overview of the management of the poisoned patient and introduces extracorporeal therapies to aid in detoxification. Indications for the use of hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and hemoperfusion are reviewed, and the principles underlying drug removal with each modality are described. Additional consideration is given to addition of chelating agents to augment clearance of metals, such as aluminum and iron. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and therapeutic approach including extracorporeal treatment are described in detail for specific intoxicants: lithium, methanol, ethylene glycol, and salicylates. Comprehensive tables are included, containing drugs and intoxicants removed with extracorporeal therapy.