Efficacy of direct hemoperfusion for the removal of phenobarbital through blood concentration analysis

AIM: Phenobarbital overdose can cause coma and even death. The consciousness disturbance is often prolonged due to its long half‐life. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of direct hemoperfusion (DHP) for the removal of phenobarbital by measuring the blood levels of phenobarbital. METHODS: Study subjects included five patients with phenobarbital poisoning who were transferred to our hospital. Direct hemoperfusion was carried out in three of the five patients (six times in total), and the elimination rate was calculated by measuring the blood levels before and after DHP. Furthermore, the disappearance rate of phenobarbital without DHP was calculated in all five patients (seven times in total) for comparison with the elimination rate. RESULTS: The elimination rate of phenobarbital with DHP was significantly higher than the disappearance rate without DHP． CONCLUSION: This study suggests that early introduction of DHP should be considered as a treatment option for phenobarbital poisoning.