Modern intermittent haemodialysis (IHD) is an effective method of removing salicylate in chronic topical salicylate toxicity

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: There are limited data on modern intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) efficacy on salicylate elimination from topical poisoning. CASE REPORT: A 54-year-old male sought treatment for dyspnea but was then diagnosed with salicylate toxicity from topical application of Dencorub Extra Strength Heat Gel® for 1 week. Each tube contained 100 g with 26 % methylsalicylate (26 g). Laboratory workup was remarkable for an elevated anion gap of 30 and salicylate concentration of 78.7 mg/dL [5.7 mmol/L (N < 0.4 mmol/L)]. Treatment with urinary alkalinization was followed by hemodialysis for 5 h. Extraction ratios were 0.44 with clearance rates of 78.5 mL/min. Salicylate concentrations fell rapidly following initiation of hemodialysis with no rebound observed. DISCUSSION: Modern high flux IHD is an effective method of removing salicylates in the treatment of chronic topical poisoning.