Citation

Turkcuer I, Erdur B, Sari I, Yüksel A, Tura P, Yuksel S. Eur. J. Emerg. Med. 2009; 16(1): 11-13.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

10.1097/MEJ.0b013e32830a7567

PMID

18931616

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Biguanides pose a significant risk of morbidity, mortality and permanent sequelae secondary to prolonged periods of hypoglycaemia.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the treatment of massive metformin overdose associated with lactic acidosis.
CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 30-year-old woman, who attempted to commit suicide by ingesting an 85-g massive metformin overdose associated with severe lactic acidosis, which we treated by performing prolonged haemodialysis with bicarbonate and plasma exchange.
CONCLUSION: For the maximum elimination of metformin, extended haemodialysis is required and the treatment of the accompanying metabolic acidosis with bicarbonate is important for the effectiveness of the treatment. Patients benefit much more from the treatment of combined haemodialysis with plasma exchange.

Language: en

Keywords

Acidosis, Lactic; Adult; Drug Overdose; Female; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Metformin; Plasma Exchange; Renal Dialysis; Suicide, Attempted