Successful Use of Continuous Veno-Venous Haemodialysis in a Case of Potential Lethal Caffeine Intoxication

Abstract

Here we describe the case of a potentially lethal caffeine intoxication after the reported ingestion of 10 g of caffeine. Due to hemodynamic instability with tachycardia and hypertension with an insufficient effect of continuous labetalol infusion, the patient was started on continuous veno-venous haemodialysis (CVVHD). After successful treatment for 15 h, CVVHD could be discontinued, and the patient was discharged home the next day. This case report is the first to report the use of CVVHD as a haemodialysis modality in the case of caffeine intoxication and illustrate the effect on caffeine clearance. We stress the importance of an early recognition of caffeine intoxication, so that haemodialysis can be considered in the case of a potentially lethal intoxication.

Caffeine and Purine Derivatives: A Comprehensive Review on the Chemistry, Biosynthetic Pathways, Synthesis‐Related Reactions, Biomedical Prospectives and Clinical Applications

“…found that the LD 50 of caffeine was about 10 gm/day, which could be equivalent to drinking 100 cups of instant coffee. High chronic exposure to caffeine (<400 to 600 mg/day) has been linked with some dysfunctions including gastrointestinal, muscles, liver, and kidney [19,20] …”