Experience with activated carbon-bead haemoperfusion columns in the treatment of severe drug intoxication. A preliminary report.

Five patients who were severely poisoned with hypnotic drugs, paracetamol, or theophylline were treated by charcoal haemoperfusion. The device contained 160 g of activated carbon beads with a polyester coating. Four patients made a significant improvement; one subsequently died from a cerebral haemorrhage which had occurred prior to haemoperfusion. Platelet losses were minimal and no fibrinolysis was observed. No significant biochemical abnormality occurred as a result of haemoperfusion, although one patient, who presented with hypocalcaemia, required intravenous calcium throughout the procedure.