The effect of hemoperfusion on the outcome and prognosis of paraquat poisoning

Objective: Paraquat poisoning is a critical condition with a high mortality rate, and there are currently no established treatment guidelines for managing this toxin. Hemoperfusion constitutes an alternative treatment for paraquat poisoning. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of hemoperfusion therapy using the Jafron HA330 hemoperfusion cartridge in patients with paraquat poisoning. Case Presentations: This case series study was conducted on paraquat poisoning patients in Tehran’s Loghman Hakim and Kerman’s Afzalipour hospitals. In addition to the standard treatment of poisoning patients, the patients underwent hemoperfusion using the HA330 cartridge three times at 24-hour intervals, each time lasting 180–240 minutes. Before and following the completion of the treatment program, patients’ information and laboratory results were meticulously documented. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software version 21. The study noted that eight of the nine patients passed away. A notable finding was the significant reduction in potassium levels in the blood. Seven patients required intubation. A notable reduction in hemoglobin levels was detected following treatment. Furthermore, a decline in bicarbonate and pH levels was observed in patients, in post-treatment, though this decrease did not attain statistical significance. Conversely, the total bilirubin levels exhibited an increase in patients following treatment; however, this change was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that hemoperfusion with HA330 cartridges does not yield a substantial improvement in the survival of patients poisoned by paraquat.