Hemodialysis and Extracorporeal Removal after Pediatric and Adolescent Poisoning Reported to a State Poison Center

Background

There is currently limited literature regarding the use of hemodialysis after acute pediatric and adolescent poisoning.

Objective

We sought to characterize the use of hemodialysis (HD) and other extracorporeal removal techniques (ECR) in the treatment of acutely poisoned children and adolescents reported to a state poison control system over a 10-year period.

Methods

After institutional review board approval, a state poison control system database was queried for all cases coded for hemodialysis and other ECR after pediatric and adolescent (0–19 years old) poisoning. We also analyzed National Poison System Data to determine national trends.

Results

Ninety patients were reviewed after exclusions for errors in coding or incomplete documentation. HD was the principle method of ECR employed. One case of hemoperfusion and hemofiltration was reported. HD was used, on average, nine times per year. ECR was used predominantly in adolescent patients (age ≥ to 12 years) (84 patients, 93%) for intentional ingestions (82 patients, 91%). Fifteen different toxins were encountered, with salicylates (29 patients) and ethylene glycol (23 patients) most commonly encountered. Ethylene glycol and methanol blood levels were not available before initiation of hemodialysis in all but one case.

Conclusions

All salicylate-poisoned patients who underwent HD demonstrated clinical findings indicative of toxicity even in the absence of elevated levels advocated by some as indication for HD. HD and other ECR are rarely used in the management of pediatric and adolescent poisoning.