Hemadsorption to Enhance Drug Elimination in Intoxications

Launched by UNIVERSITAIR ZIEKENHUIS BRUSSEL · Apr 3, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring a new treatment method for patients who have taken too much of certain medications, specifically benzodiazepines or tricyclic antidepressants, and are experiencing serious symptoms like prolonged unconsciousness. The researchers want to see if a special device called a hemadsorber (cytosorb®) can help remove these drugs from the blood more quickly in patients who are in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). To participate in the study, patients must be over 18, admitted to the ICU, have a low level of consciousness, and have a specific type of drug intoxication along with certain health factors, such as liver or kidney issues that make it harder for their body to eliminate the drugs.

If eligible, participants can expect to have their blood tested both before and after the hemadsorber is used to measure how quickly the drug levels drop. The study is not yet recruiting patients, and it’s important to note that some individuals, such as those who are pregnant or already on dialysis, will not be able to participate. This trial aims to improve the treatment for drug intoxications and may offer valuable insights into how to better manage these serious conditions in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. older than18 years
• • 2. Admission to ICU
• • 3. GCS \< 8 or requiring Flumazenil 8 hours after hospital admission
• • 4. Having an intoxication with a benzodiazepine or tricyclic antidepressant that we can measure/quantify
• • 5. Having a risk factor for delayed drug elimination defined as either Cirrhosis CHILD B/C or chronic kidney insufficiency KDIGO 3b or worse
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Pregnant patient
• • 2. Patients in chronic dialysis before admission
• • 3. Need for mechanical ventilation for other reasons than intoxications (e.g. pneumonia, neurotrauma)
• • 4. Concomitant pathology requiring continued intravenous sedation
• • 5. Known history of seizures
• • 6. Contra-indication to heparin use
• • 7. DNR restricting the use of mechanical ventilation or dialysis