CytoSorb removes MDMA in vitro, but is it an effective therapy in vivo?

CytoSorb hemoadsorption effectively removes 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in vitro, but its clinical removal in a reported case may have been minimal because therapy started late and removal is concentration dependent. The device was very effective for treating rhabdomyolysis and hyperinflammation in that patient. Whether the case confirms in vivo MDMA removal by CytoSorb is debatable. The potential of CytoSorb to help critically ill patients requires further study.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract Background 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine intoxication can result in potentially lethal multi-organ failure, for which the current treatment is largely supportive. Recently, a report of the use of the CytoSorb device as a part of the successful treatment of a patient with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine intoxication and multi-organ failure has been described. Main body While 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine was very effectively removed by CytoSorb in vitro, the degree of removal in the clinical setting described may have been minimal. Indeed, the therapy was started relatively late in this case, and, as the therapy is concentration dependent, the removal of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine is likely to have been limited. On the other hand, in this case, CytoSorb hemoadsorption was very effective to treat rhabdomyolysis and hyperinflammation. Conclusion The in vitro experimentation demonstrates that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine is effectively removed by CytoSorb. However, it is debatable whether the case report confirms the possibility of in vivo removal of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine by CytoSorb. Nevertheless, the potential of the CytoSorb device to contribute to the treatment of many critically ill patients has yet to be fully explored, and further studies are warranted.