Introduction: In Japan, highly caffeinated tablets are easily obtainable from stores and online purchase without any restriction. Many severe and fatal cases have recently been reported among young people who consumed large or massive amounts of caffeinated tablet. Hemodialysis (HD) or direct hemoperfusion (DHP) have been successful in improving toxic signs and symptoms in such cases. We have conducted a series of research on cases of acute caffeine poisoning caused by caffeinated tablets.
A Series of Research: First, we conducted epidemiological survey and found that among 101 patients from 38 emergency department, seven patients (6.9%) who had consumed ≥ 6.0 g of caffeine, or whose serum caffeine levels on admission were ≥ 200 µg/mL, developed cardiac arrest. Ninety-seven patients (96.0%) recovered completely, but 3 patients (3.0%) died. So, we recommend highlighting the toxicity risks associated with ingesting highly caffeinated tablets.
Second, we reported two cases of severe caffeine poisoning, with one patient treated by HD and the other by DHP. Serial caffeine concentrations were measured in those patients to estimate caffeine clearance. We concluded that HD may be superior to DHP for treating severe caffeine poisoning, given the higher rate of associated complications including thrombocytopenia, higher costs, fewer skilled experts, and lower clearance rate associated with DHP.
Third, we conducted a multicenter prospective study to determine a criterion for initiating HD based on serum caffeine concentration for the treatment of severe caffeine poisoning. We recommend initiating HD to treat severe caffeine poisoning when patients present with a serum caffeine concentration ≥ 140 mg/L.
Lobby
Lecture Halls
Exhibition Halls
Abstract Gallery
Committees