Hemoperfusion in theophylline neurotoxicity

Four patients with severe theophylline toxicity (theophylline levels of 60 to 180 micrograms/ml) are reported. Three patients with neurotoxicity were treated with hemoperfusion. Two of these were hemoperfused early after the onset of seizures; they recovered with no neurologic deficit. In the third patient hemoperfusion was delayed for 16 hours after uncontrolled seizures; severe brain damage resulted. The fourth patient, who had the highest peak theophylline level but no seizures, was successfully treated with conservative management and peritoneal dialysis. The role of hemoperfusion in severe theophylline intoxication is discussed.