Anest. intenziv. Med. 2008;19(4):197-202

Acute theophylline intoxication - Case reportIntesive Care Medicine - Case Report

Májek Milan^1,*, Volnárová Alena², Hollá Zuzana³, Lichvárová Ildikó², Valaška Pavol²

¹ Klinika anestéziológie a intenzívnej medicíny, NsP akad. L. Dérera, Bratislava

² Oddelenie anestéziológie a intenzívnej medicíny, Nemocničná, a. s., Malacky

³ Hemodialyzačné oddelenie, Nemocničná a. s., Malacky

A case report of acute theophylline overdose in a mentally retarded patient is presented. Due to alterations of consciousness, no relevant data enabling a potential diagnosis of theophylline intoxication could be obtained either from the patient or from his family. Considering methanol and ethylenglycol intoxication, toxicologic analysis was realized, that finally revealed a severe theophylline intoxication, consistent with both clinical and biochemical status. Clinical symptoms and biochemical findings of the patient are then analysed from the pathophysiological point of view. Acute renal failure and septic pulmonary infection occurred as a complication, requiring artificial ventilation and urgent hemodialysis. Patient was transferred to internal department on day 32 in a good clinical condition.

Keywords: theophylline; intoxication; clinical intoxication symptoms; theophylline intoxication therapy

Received: March 20, 2008; Accepted: June 12, 2008; Published: August 1, 2008  Show citation