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Affiliation
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Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China. |
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Abstract
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Background
: Blood purification therapy has not been applied in the detoxification of germanium compounds. This report described a case of germanium poisoning with renal failure, liver dysfunction, and acute pancreatitis which was successfully treated by continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) combined with plasmapheresis.
Case report
: A 58-year-old male with polydipsia, polyuria, and weight loss of 2 months' duration was admitted to the local hospital. The patient was definitively diagnosed with germanium poisoning and was treated with blood purification therapy, CVVHDF combined with plasmapheresis. The blood and urinary germanium concentrations decreased rapidly in the first week following the combined blood purification therapy. The blood germanium concentration gradually reduced to within the normal range within the next three weeks, fluctuating at a normal level. However, the urinary germanium concentration exceeded the normal range for three months, indicating an accumulation of germanium in the organs and tissues. The patient's clinical symptoms ameliorated and the functions of the kidney, liver, and pancreas gradually recovered.
Conclusion
: Combined CVVHDF with plasmapheresis is an effective treatment for patients diagnosed with germanium poisoning and associated multiple organ dysfunctions.
Language: en |