THE APPLICATION OF HEMODIALYSIS TO THE TREATMENT OF BARBITURATE POISONING 1

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Abstract
Study was made of the efficacy of the artificial kidney in removing barbiturate from the human body. Considerable amts. of barbiturate could be dialyzed by the Kolff artificial kidney and removal of barbiturate by this method was 20 to 30 times more effective than urinary excretion. Data obtained from 2 patients with barbiturate poisoning indicate that a 1-hr. period of dialysis will remove an amt. of barbiturate which requires 25-30 hrs. for urinary excretion. In each instance of poisoning clinical improvement accompanied hemodialysis, and it is concluded that the treatment of severe barbiturate poisoning by hemodialysis appears to be practical and effective.