Early treatment with N-acetylcysteine reduces hepatotoxicity in acute acetaminophen poisoning

Acta Biomed. 2023 May 29;94(S1):e2023033. doi: 10.23750/abm.v94iS1.13714.

Abstract

During the outbreak of COVID19 measures taken to contain the spread of the virus have influenced the mental well-being of adults and adolescents. Acetaminophen overdose is the major cause of drug intoxication among children and adolescents. We reported a case of a 15-year- old girl referred to our Emergency Department 3 hours after ingestion of 10 g of paracetamol for suicidal purposes. She promptly started the administration of intravenous N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and the patient was discharged after 5 days of hospitalization in good clinical condition and with neuropsychiatric follow-up. Our case shows that the timing of the intravenous NAC administration is considered the most important factor in the prevention of acetaminophen-induced hepatic failure, despite high serum levels after acetaminophen ingestion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / therapeutic use
  • Acetylcysteine / therapeutic use
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • COVID-19*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury* / drug therapy
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury* / etiology
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury* / prevention & control
  • Child
  • Digestive System Diseases*
  • Drug Overdose* / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans

Substances

  • Acetylcysteine
  • Acetaminophen