Resin hemoperfusion for drug intoxication--an update.

Hemoperfusion through Amberlite XAD-4 resin column has been shown to effectively remove sedative-hypnotics, analgesics and other drugs causing acute intoxication. There is no appreciable clinical toxicity and dramatic shortening of coma time and possible decrease in mortality may be achieved. Thrombocytopenia and clotting may be diminished by pre-perfusion coating with 2.5% albumin. Albumin coating may facilitate the repeated use of hemoperfusion without any complications. More recently, resin hemoperfusion has been used for procainamide, N-acetylprocainamide and theophylline intoxication achieving exceptionally high clearance rates.