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Pathophysiology · Additional topics

Detoxification therapy

Detoxification therapy is a crucial component of pathogenetic treatment for conditions accompanied by pronounced intoxication syndrome. It is used to stabilize homeostasis in severe infections, sepsis, and liver damage.

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Therapy typePathogenetic
IndicationsInfections, sepsis, hepatic failure
MethodsIntravenous infusions, blood volume restoration
GoalElimination of toxins, stabilization of homeostasis
2 min readFor medical studentsUpdated 10.10.2026
Material prepared by WhiteCoat Pro editorial team based on platform study guidesPending instructor review

Use in tick-borne infections

Detoxification measures are an integral part of the mandatory pathogenetic therapy for tick-borne infections.

  • In Ixodes tick-borne borreliosis (generalized form, neurological or mixed variants), therapy is administered alongside antibiotic treatment with ceftriaxone or doxycycline.
  • In Siberian tick typhus, detoxification is necessary to relieve severe intoxication syndrome accompanying the acute onset of the disease and hepatosplenomegaly. Treatment is supplemented with tetracycline antibiotics and symptomatic agents.

Role in acute viral hepatitis

In complicated courses of viral hepatitis (e.g., acute hepatitis B), detoxification is a key focus of intensive care. It is indicated when severe conditions develop:

  • Acute hepatic failure.
  • Acute hepatic encephalopathy.
  • Severe or fulminant course of the disease.

The set of measures is combined with hemostatic therapy, management of cholestasis, and specific treatment of encephalopathy in an intensive care unit setting.

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Detoxification in sepsis

In the treatment strategy for sepsis and septicopyemia, detoxification therapy aims to stabilize vital bodily functions.

Main objectives of syndromic therapy:

  1. Elimination of intoxication.
  2. Restoration of circulating blood volume (CBV) via intravenous infusions, including the use of glucose solutions.
  3. Correction of acid-base balance (ABB) disorders.

These measures are carried out concurrently with the elimination of the pathogen using high-dose intravenous antibiotics and surgical sanation of purulent foci.

Class and exam questions

What type of therapy does detoxification belong to?

It is part of pathogenetic and syndromic therapy.

In which forms of sepsis is intensive detoxification most important?

In fulminant sepsis (hyperergic), accompanied by septic shock, drop in blood pressure, and high mortality.

Does detoxification therapy replace antibiotics?

No, it is only used in combination with etiotropic (antibacterial or antiviral) therapy.

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What else to study on this topic

  • Etiotropic therapy of tick-borne infections
  • Complications of acute viral hepatitis B
  • Diagnosis and classification of sepsis
  • Differential diagnosis of tick-borne fevers

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