Multiple-dose activated charcoal in acute self-poisoning: a randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The case-fatality for intentional self-poisoning in the rural developing world is 10-50-fold higher than that in industrialised countries, mostly because of the use of highly toxic pesticides and plants. We therefore aimed to assess whether routine treatment with multiple-dose activated charcoal, to interrupt enterovascular or enterohepatic circulations, offers benefit compared with no charcoal in such an environment.

Methods

We did an open-label, parallel group, randomised, controlled trial of six 50 g doses of activated charcoal at 4-h intervals versus no charcoal versus one 50 g dose of activated charcoal in three Sri Lankan hospitals. 4632 patients were randomised to receive no charcoal (n=1554), one dose of charcoal (n=1545), or six doses of charcoal (n=1533)

SUBMITTER: Eddleston M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2430417 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature