Citation

Ali M, Misurati M, Rodgers R, Pooni J. BMJ Case Rep. 2019; 12(4): e228920.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/bcr-2018-228920

PMID

30954964

PMCID

PMC6453404

Abstract

An 84-year-old woman presented to hospital with severe clinical and metabolic sequelaesequelae of a massive paracetamol overdose (concentration=822 mg/L). In spite of N-acetylcysteine therapy, she deteriorated with evidence of mitochondrial dysfunction. Although the EXtracorporeal TReatments In Poisoning group recommend adjunct haemodialysis (HD) in such a context, this was difficult to start due to haemodynamic instability. Instead, a trial of continuous venovenous haemodiafiltration (CVVHDF) was initiated in an attempt to restore normal mitochondrial function, normal pH and to actively remove the offending drug. Fortunately, plasma paracetamol levels fell exponentially over the subsequent 24-48 hours without the need to commence HD. The patient made a full recovery and was later discharged from the hospital. This case highlights that CVVHDF can be a reasonable alternative to HD for managing massive paracetamol overdoses in the context of mitochondrial dysfunction.

Language: en

Keywords

Humans; Female; Drug Overdose; Aged, 80 and over; Treatment Outcome; Suicide, Attempted; Antidotes; Acetaminophen; overdose; paracetamol; Acetylcysteine; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Hemodiafiltration; haemodialysis; haemodiafiltration