hemoperfusion
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Introduction
Passage of blood through columns of adsorptive material, such as activated charcoal, to remove toxic substances from the blood. [from hemo + L. perfusio, to pass through]
Indications
- poisoning, drug overdose
- of particular benefit for drugs that are highly protein- bound
- theophylline poisoning, carbamazepine poisoning
Mechanism of action
- removes drugs that are both polar & non polar
- not limited by water solubility or molecular weight
Complications
- thrombocytopenia (30% reduction in platelets is common)
- leukopenia
- hypoglycemia
- hypocalcemia
- hemorrhage secondary to heparinization