USE OF HEMODIALYSIS IN THE TREATMENT OF QUINIDINE POISONING

Abstract

Hemodialysis was used in addition to forced diuresis in the treatment of quinidine poisoning of a 3-year-old girl. The estimated retained dose of quinidine was 1,600 mg. During a 36-hour treatment period the patient excreted through the kidneys 768.1 mg quinidine (21.3 mg/hr). Hemodialysis almost doubled the quinidine elimination by removing 145 mg in eight hours (18.1 mg/hr): renal excretion, 55%; hemodialysis, 45%. The quinidine elimination with dialysis is high when high blood flow rates through the artificial kidney can be maintained. Adequate glomerular filtration rate and urine acidification are necessary for high renal excretion of quinidine.