Early haemoperfusion with continuous venovenous haemofiltration improves survival of acute paraquat-poisoned patients

Abstract

Objective To determine whether haemoperfusion (HP) with continuous venovenous haemofiltration (CVVH) improves the survival of patients with acute paraquat poisoning, compared with those treated using HP alone. Methods Medical records of patients with acute paraquat poisoning were analysed. Patients were randomised to undergo HP or HP + CVVH within 24 h of paraquat ingestion. Mortality rate, survival duration and cause of death were recorded. Results There were no significant differences in mortality rate between the HP group ( n = 458) and the HP + CVVH group ( n = 226) (57.4% and 58.4%, respectively). The mean survival duration was significantly longer in the HP + CVVH group than the HP group (8.6 ± 3.1 and 5.1 ± 2.3 days, respectively). Early circulatory collapse was a major cause of death in the HP group. The major cause of death in the HP + CVVH group was late respiratory failure. Conclusion Combined therapy with HP and CVVH can prevent early death and prolong survival duration following acute paraquat poisoning, providing the opportunity for further treatment.