On-line hemodialysis and hemoperfusion in a girl intoxicated by theophylline.

In a suicidal attempt, a 15-year-old girl had ingested about 40 g of theophylline from sustained-release preparations. Symptoms of intoxication increased and serum concentrations of theophylline rose from 438 to 1,000 mumol/l. Conservative therapy was also combined by the use of hemodialysis as well as charcoal hemoperfusion on line. Treatment successfully reduced side-effects and S-theophylline within 12 hours and the patient could leave the hospital without residual sequelae. The combination of hemodialysis and hemoperfusion may reduce the risk of hypopotassiemia and hypocalcemia as well as increase in the clearance of the drug.