Hemadsorption: A New Therapeutic Option for Selected Cases of Bromazepam Intoxication

Abstract

Benzodiazepine ingestion is frequent in patients admitted to ICU for intoxications. Generally, a supportive approach by securing the airway, breathing, and circulation is sufficient. Flumazenil is a well-known antidote for benzodiazepines but does not influence its elimination. Following preclinical data, we applied for the first time in humans a hemadsorption filter in a patient with a bromazepam intoxication. This technique proved to be effective in eliminating bromazepam in a patient with CHILD-C cirrhosis. We conclude that hemadsorption is a viable option to reduce length of ICU stay or intubation in slow metabolizers without contraindications.