Makindo Medical Notes

Related Subjects: |Metabolic acidosis |Aspirin or Salicylates toxicity |Ethylene glycol toxicity |Renal Tubular Acidosis |Lactic acidosis |Tricyclic Antidepressant Toxicity |Opiate Toxicity |Carbon monoxide Toxicity |Benzodiazepine Toxicity |Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) toxicity |Amphetamine toxicity |Beta Blocker toxicity |Calcium channel blockers toxicity |Cannabis toxicity |Cyanide toxicity |Digoxin Toxicity |Ecstasy toxicity |Organophosphate (OP) Toxicity |Toxin elimination by dialysis

Poisons Eliminated by Haemodialysis and Haemofiltration: In cases of poisoning or overdose, extracorporeal removal methods such as haemodialysis and haemofiltration can effectively clear certain toxins. These methods are particularly useful when the poison has a low molecular weight, low protein binding, and high water solubility, or if it creates a significant toxic metabolite. This table provides examples of substances eliminated by each method and explains their mechanisms.

Extracorporeal Methods

• Haemodialysis: Utilizes a semipermeable membrane to remove toxins via diffusion. It is most effective for substances with:
  • Low molecular weight.
  • Low protein binding.
  • Small volume of distribution (Vd).
• Haemofiltration: Removes toxins through convection by filtering plasma water along with solutes. It is beneficial for substances with a larger volume of distribution or moderate protein binding.

Key Points

• Both haemodialysis and haemofiltration are life-saving interventions for toxin removal in severe poisoning.
• Selection of method depends on the toxin’s properties (molecular weight, protein binding, water solubility) and clinical urgency.
• Supportive care, including fluid resuscitation and correction of acid-base disturbances, should accompany extracorporeal therapies.