ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the efficacy of hemoperfusion treatment in children with acute tetramine poisoning.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-two children aged from 1 to 8 years ( mean 4.6+/-2.4 years) with acute tetramine poisoning received hemoperfusion treatment. Serum tetramine concentrations were measured by gas chromatography before hemoperfusion, 1 and 2 hrs after hemoperfusion initiation and 12 and 24 hrs by the end of hemoperfusion. The median time for full recovery of consciousness and the time to seizure control were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Seventeen children received hemoperfusion treatment for one time, 12 for twice, 2 for 4 times and 1 for 3 times. Twenty- seven (84%) cases recovered, 2 (7%) cases improved and 3 (9%) cases died of multi-organ failure. The serum tetramine concentrations 1 and 2 hrs after hrmoperfusion initiation were significantly lower than those before hemoperfusion (P<0.01). The serum tetramine concentrations 12 and 24 hrs by the end of hemoperfusion were also significantly lower than those before hemoperfusion (P<0.01). The median time for full recovery of consciousness and the time to seizure control were 5.4+/-4.2 and 10.1+/-7.3 hrs, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Hemoperfusion treatment is effective for acute tetramine poisoning in children.</p>