Limited effectiveness of charcoal hemoperfusion in malathion poisoning.

Malathion is an organophosphate pesticide that can cause respiratory failure and death in humans. In vitro studies suggested that hemoperfusion may be valuable in treating malathion poisoning. We found that although the charcoal column may effect reasonable clearance in the first 2 hours of use, prolonged hemoperfusion may require changing the column in severe, acute poisonings.