Abstract

CALIX, Maria José et al. Efficacy of hemoperfusion with activated charcoal in the treatment of severe poisoning by carbamazepine. Nascer e Crescer [online]. 2011, vol.20, n.1, pp.23-25. ISSN 0872-0754.

Case report: The authors present a case of a teenage girl admitted to the emergency room with a sudden progressive neurologic disorder. A family member was on antiepileptic drug treatment. The initial assessment revealed a drowsy adolescent with appropriate speech, though dysarthric, presenting nystagmus and bilateral dysmetria and gait ataxia. Serum assay was performed and revealed high levels of carbamazepine thus confirming acute poisoning with this drug. Activated charcoal therapy was done with no response, even with deterioration of the level of consciousness. Hemoperfusion with activated charcoal was then performed with complete neurological recovery within three hours. Conclusion: The authors underline the difficulties in dealing with severe cases of poisoning caused by drugs with high protein binding and emphasize the effectiveness of hemoperfusion with activated charcoal.

Keywords : Carbamazepine; poisoning; overdose; antiepileptic drugs; hemoperfusion; activated charcoal; disturbed level of consciousness.

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