Hemoperfusion as an effective alternative therapy for star fruit intoxication: a report of 2 cases.

This report describes 2 cases of star fruit intoxication successfully treated with charcoal hemoperfusion (CHP). Common clinical characteristics of the reported cases included persistent hiccup, consciousness disturbance, coma, need for ventilator support, and admission to an intensive care unit. The optimum treatment for star fruit intoxication has been controversial, with modality, dose, and appropriate timing of extracorporeal therapy debated. Analysis of the 2 reported cases shows several advantages of CHP, including increased extraction efficiency, rapid recovery of consciousness, decreased time of intensive care unit admission, and good clinical tolerance. CHP may provide an alternative treatment modality in cases with life-threatening star fruit intoxication with poor response to intensified hemodialysis.