Extracorporeal treatment with high-volume continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration and charcoal-based sorbent hemoperfusion for severe metformin-associated lactic acidosis

We present a case of a 49-year-old female with an alleged history of ingestion of approximately 100 tablets of metformin (850 mg each). Investigations revealed severe lactic acidosis with lactate levels of 13.5 mmol/L and pH of 7.17. This indicates severe toxicity and is associated with a high mortality. Charcoal-based sorbent hemoperfusion was done as a desperate effort, as patient continued to deteriorate despite supportive care and high-volume continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration. The patient survived despite metformin-associated lactic acidosis related to severe metformin toxicity.