Extracorporeal Removal Techniques

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ECTR: Introduction & Indications - Clean Sweep Crew

  • ECTR: "Clean Sweep Crew" for severe poisoning; removes toxins directly from blood.
  • Key Goals: Remove toxin, correct severe metabolic issues, prevent organ damage.
  • General Indications:
    • Severe poisoning with deterioration despite supportive care.
    • Lethal dose/concentration.
    • Impaired native clearance (renal/hepatic failure).
    • Toxin amenable to ECTR.
  • Toxin Properties for ECTR:
    • Low Vd (< 1 L/kg)
    • Low protein binding (< 80%)
    • Small MW (< 500 Da)
    • High water solubility
  • 📌 Key Toxins: Salicylates, Methanol, Ethylene glycol, Lithium, Phenobarbital, Theophylline.

⭐ ECTR is most effective for toxins with low volume of distribution (Vd < 1 L/kg) and low protein binding, ensuring efficient blood clearance.

ECTR: Hemodialysis & CRRT - The Big Guns

  • Hemodialysis (HD):
    • Rapid removal of toxins using diffusion/convection. High-efficiency, intermittent.
    • Key Dialyzable Toxins: 📌 Mnemonic: "SLIME-PT"
      • Salicylates
      • Lithium
      • Isopropanol
      • Methanol, Metformin (with MALA)
      • Ethylene glycol
      • Phenobarbital (long-acting barbiturates)
      • Theophylline
      • (Note: Valproic acid (severe) can also be considered)
    • Ideal Toxin Properties: Low MW (<500 Da), water-soluble, low protein binding (<80%), small Vd (<1 L/kg).
    • ⚠️ Risks: Hypotension, disequilibrium syndrome, bleeding (heparin).
  • Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT):
    • Slower, continuous (24h) removal. Better for hemodynamically unstable patients.
    • Modes: CVVH (convection), CVVHD (diffusion), CVVHDF (both).
    • Use: Similar toxins to HD, especially if unstable or for toxins with rebound. CRRT Modes: SCUF, CVVH, CVVHD, CVVHDF Comparison

⭐ Hemodialysis is indicated for severe methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning with an osmolal gap, significant acidosis, or end-organ damage.

ECTR: Hemoperfusion & Plasma Exchange - Beyond Dialysis

  • Hemoperfusion (HP)
    • Principle: Blood passes through a cartridge with adsorbent material (e.g., activated charcoal, resin).
    • Target toxins: Primarily lipid-soluble drugs and protein-bound substances.
    • Indications: Severe poisoning with theophylline, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, paraquat, amanita phalloides.
    • Limitations: Doesn't correct electrolyte/acid-base disturbances.
    • Complications: Thrombocytopenia (common), hypocalcemia, hypoglycemia, hypotension.
  • Plasma Exchange (PLEX) / Plasmapheresis
    • Principle: Patient's plasma is separated from blood cells and discarded; replaced with colloid solution (e.g., albumin, FFP) or crystalloid.
    • Target toxins: Large molecular weight substances, autoantibodies, highly protein-bound toxins.
    • Indications: Amanita phalloides, thyroid storm, Guillain-Barré, Myasthenia Gravis, drug-induced TTP, some heavy metal poisonings.
    • Complications: Hypocalcemia (citrate toxicity), coagulopathy (dilutional), allergic reactions to replacement fluids, hypotension.

⭐ Charcoal hemoperfusion is particularly effective for paraquat poisoning if started early, ideally within 2-4 hours post-ingestion.

ECTR: Toxin Factors & Selection - Match Making Toxins

  • ECTR Favored If Toxin Has:
    • Low Molecular Weight (MW): < 500 Daltons
    • Small Volume of Distribution (Vd): < 1-2 L/kg (📌 "Small Vd, Stays in Blood")
    • Low Protein Binding: < 80% bound
    • High Water Solubility (Hydrophilic)
    • Significant removal by ECTR compared to endogenous clearance (High ECTR clearance rate)

Selection matches toxin profile to ECTR type. Consider toxin's half-life and severity.

⭐ For toxins with high Vd (>2 L/kg) or high protein binding (>80%), standard hemodialysis is generally ineffective.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Hemodialysis (HD): Best for water-soluble toxins, low Vd, low protein binding (e.g., Methanol, Ethylene Glycol, Salicylates, Lithium).
  • Charcoal Hemoperfusion (HP): For lipid-soluble or highly protein-bound drugs (e.g., Theophylline, Phenobarbital).
  • Indications: Severe poisoning, significant acidosis, organ damage, or failure of supportive care.
  • Low Vd (<1 L/kg) is key for effective removal.
  • Complications: Hypotension, bleeding, electrolyte shifts.
  • CRRT: Slower, continuous removal for hemodynamically unstable patients.

Practice Questions: Extracorporeal Removal Techniques

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