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McGill MR, Curry SC. The Evolution of Circulating Biomarkers for Use in Acetaminophen/Paracetamol-Induced Liver Injury in Humans: A Scoping Review. LIVERS 2023; 3:569-596. [PMID: 38434489 PMCID: PMC10906739 DOI: 10.3390/livers3040039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used drug, but overdose can cause severe acute liver injury. The first reports of APAP hepatotoxicity in humans were published in 1966, shortly after the development of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as the first biomarkers of liver injury as opposed to liver function. Thus, the field of liver injury biomarkers has evolved alongside the growth in APAP hepatotoxicity incidence. Numerous biomarkers have been proposed for use in the management of APAP overdose patients in the intervening years. Here, we comprehensively review the development of these markers from the 1960s to the present day and briefly discuss possible future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell R McGill
- Dept. of Environmental Health Sciences, Fay W. Boozman College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72212, USA
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72212, USA
- Dept. of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72212, USA
| | - Steven C Curry
- Division of Clinical Data Analytics and Decision Support, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
- Department of Medical Toxicology, Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ 85006, USA
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2
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Abstract
Acetaminophen is a common medication taken in deliberate self-poisoning and unintentional overdose. It is the commonest cause of severe acute liver injury in Western countries. The optimal management of most acetaminophen poisonings is usually straightforward. Patients who present early should be offered activated charcoal and those at risk of acute liver injury should receive acetylcysteine. This approach ensures survival in most. The acetaminophen nomogram is used to assess the need for treatment in acute immediate-release overdoses with a known time of ingestion. However, scenarios that require different management pathways include modified-release, large/massive, and repeated supratherapeutic ingestions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L Chiew
- Clinical Toxicology Unit, Prince of Wales Hospital, Barker Street, Randwick, New South Wales 2031, Australia.
| | - Nicholas A Buckley
- Pharmacology and Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales 2050, Australia
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3
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Wong A, Heard K, Graudins A, Dart R, Sivilotti MLA. Adducts Post Acetaminophen Overdose Treated with a 12-Hour vs 20-Hour Acetylcysteine Infusion. J Med Toxicol 2020; 16:188-194. [PMID: 31939054 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-020-00757-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acetaminophen protein adducts in the circulation are a specific biomarker of acetaminophen oxidation, and may be a more sensitive measure of impending hepatic injury following overdose than alanine transaminase (ALT). We performed an exploratory analytical substudy of adducts during a clinical trial (NACSTOP) of abbreviated (12-hour) versus control (20-hour) acetylcysteine to identify any signal of diminished antidotal effectiveness with shortened therapy. METHODS We measured adducts at 0, 12, and 20 hours from a convenience sample of subjects enrolled in the cluster-controlled NACSTOP trial evaluating a 12-hour ("abbreviated"; 200 mg/kg over 4 hours, 50 mg/kg over 8 hours) vs 20-hour acetylcysteine regimen ("control"; 200 mg/kg over 4 hours, 100 mg/kg over 16 hours). Adducts were assayed using high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. RESULTS Median ALT 20 hours after the initiation of acetylcysteine was 12 U/L (IQR 8,14) in the abbreviated 12-hour regimen group (N = 8), compared with the control group 16 U/L (IQR 11,21; N = 21) (p = 0.46). Adduct concentrations were similarly low in both groups: abbreviated [(0.005 μmol/L, IQR (0,0.14)] and control [(0.005 μmol/L, IQR (0,0.05)] (p = 0.61). CONCLUSIONS There were minimal to no acetaminophen protein adducts detected. These findings further support discontinuing acetylcysteine when acetaminophen concentrations are low and liver function tests normal after 12 hours of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anselm Wong
- School of Clinical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. .,Centre for Integrated Critical Care, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. .,Victorian Poisons Information Centre and Austin Toxicology Service, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia.
| | - Kennon Heard
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health and Hospitals, Denver, CO, USA.,Section of Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Andis Graudins
- School of Clinical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Monash Toxicology Service, Monash Health, School of Clinical Sciences, Department of Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richard Dart
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health and Hospital Authority, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Marco L A Sivilotti
- Departments of Emergency Medicine, and of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Shah KR, Beuhler MC. Fomepizole as an Adjunctive Treatment in Severe Acetaminophen Toxicity. Am J Emerg Med 2019; 38:410.e5-410.e6. [PMID: 31785979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2019.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A 33-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a chief complaint of abdominal pain after taking #50 500 mg acetaminophen tablets over the preceding two days. He was tachycardic and tachypneic, and the initial labs were notable for acetaminophen level, 337 mg/L; AST, 137 IU/L; ALT, 194 IU/L; ABG pH, 7.24; and lactate, 4.1 mmol/L. The patient was started on IV N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) as well as given a single dose of 15 mg/kg fomepizole. The patient did remarkably well, with a peak AST of 198 IU/L, peak ALT of 301 IU/L, and peak INR of 3.1. Biochemical and animal data support fomepizole having hepatoprotective effects in acetaminophen poisoning. To our knowledge, this is the first human case of an intentional dual NAC/fomepizole regimen for severe acetaminophen toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik R Shah
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center, Medical Education Building, 3rd Floor, 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC, 28203, USA.
| | - Michael C Beuhler
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Atrium Health's Carolinas Medical Center, North Carolina Poison Control, 4400 Golf Acres Drive, Suite B-2, Charlotte, NC, 28203, USA.
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5
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Geib T, Lento C, Wilson DJ, Sleno L. Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Acetaminophen Covalent Binding to Glutathione S-Transferases. Front Chem 2019; 7:558. [PMID: 31457004 PMCID: PMC6700392 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the Western world. APAP is bioactivated to N-acetyl p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), a reactive metabolite, which can subsequently covalently bind to glutathione and protein thiols. In this study, we have used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to characterize NAPQI binding to human glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) in vitro. GSTs play a crucial role in the detoxification of reactive metabolites and therefore are interesting target proteins to study in the context of APAP covalent binding. Recombinantly-expressed and purified GSTs were used to assess NAPQI binding in vitro. APAP biotransformation to NAPQI was achieved using rat liver microsomes or human cytochrome P450 Supersomes in the presence of GSTA1, M1, M2, or P1. Resulting adducts were analyzed using bottom-up proteomics, with or without LC fractionation prior to LC-MS/MS analysis on a quadrupole-time-of-flight instrument with data-dependent acquisition (DDA). Targeted methods using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) on a triple quadrupole platform were also developed by quantitatively labeling all available cysteine residues with a labeling reagent yielding isomerically-modified peptides following enzymatic digestion. Seven modified cysteine sites were confirmed, including Cys112 in GSTA1, Cys78 in GSTM1, Cys115 and 174 in GSTM2, as well as Cys15, 48, and 170 in GSTP1. Most modified peptides could be detected using both untargeted (DDA) and targeted (MRM) approaches, however the latter yielded better detection sensitivity with higher signal-to-noise and two sites were uniquely found by MRM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timon Geib
- Chemistry Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Cristina Lento
- Department of Chemistry, The Centre for Research in Mass Spectrometry, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Derek J Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, The Centre for Research in Mass Spectrometry, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lekha Sleno
- Chemistry Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Wong A, McNulty R, Taylor D, Sivilotti M, Greene S, Gunja N, Koutsogiannis Z, Graudins A. The NACSTOP Trial: A Multicenter, Cluster-Controlled Trial of Early Cessation of Acetylcysteine in Acetaminophen Overdose. Hepatology 2019; 69:774-784. [PMID: 30125376 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
Historically, intravenous acetylcysteine has been delivered at a fixed dose and duration of 300 mg/kg over 20 to 21 hours to nearly every patient deemed to be at any risk for hepatotoxicity following acetaminophen overdose. We investigated a 12-hour treatment regimen for selected low-risk patients. This was a multicenter, open-label, cluster-controlled trial at six metropolitan emergency departments. We enrolled subjects following single or staggered acetaminophen overdose with normal serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and creatinine on presentation and at 12 hours, and less than 20 mg/L acetaminophen at 12 hours. Patients were allocated to intervention (250 mg/kg over 12-hour) or control (300 mg/kg over 20-hour) regimens by site. The primary outcome was incidence of "hepatic injury" 20 hours following initiation of acetylcysteine treatment, defined as ALT doubling and peak ALT greater than 100 IU/L, indicating the need for further antidotal treatment. Secondary outcomes included incidence of hepatotoxicity (ALT > 1,000 IU/L), peak international normalized ratio (INR), and adverse drug reactions. Of the 449 acetaminophen overdoses receiving acetylcysteine, 100 were recruited to the study. Time to acetylcysteine (median 7 hours [interquartile ratio 6,12] versus 7 hours [6,10]) and initial acetaminophen (124 mg/L [58,171] versus 146 mg/L [66,204]) were similar between intervention and control groups. There was no difference in ALT (18 IU/L [13,22] versus 16 IU/L [13,21]) or INR (1.2 versus 1.2) 20 hours after starting acetylcysteine between groups. No patients developed hepatic injury or hepatotoxicity in either group (odds ratio 1.0 [95% confidence interval 0.02, 50]). No patients represented with liver injury, none died, and 96 of 96 were well at 14-day telephone follow-up. Conclusion: Discontinuing acetylcysteine based on laboratory testing after 12 hours of treatment is feasible and likely safe in selected patients at very low risk of liver injury from acetaminophen overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anselm Wong
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.,Victorian Poisons Information Center and Austin Toxicology Service, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Richard McNulty
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals, Western Sydney Toxicology Service, NSW, Australia
| | - David Taylor
- Emergency Department and Department of Medicine, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Marco Sivilotti
- Departments of Emergency and Biomedical & Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shaun Greene
- Victorian Poisons Information Center and Austin Toxicology Service, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Naren Gunja
- Western Sydney Toxicology Service, Sydney Medical School, NSW, Australia
| | - Zeff Koutsogiannis
- Victorian Poisons Information Center and Austin Toxicology Service, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Andis Graudins
- Monash Toxicology Service and Monash Emergency Research Collaborative, Dandenong Hospital, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Mutsaers A, Green JP, Sivilotti MLA, Yarema MC, Tucker D, Johnson DW, Spyker DA, Rumack BH. Changing nomogram risk zone classification with serial testing after acute acetaminophen overdose: a retrospective database analysis. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2019; 57:380-386. [DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2018.1529320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adam Mutsaers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Canada
| | - Jason P. Green
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Grand River and St. Mary’s General Hospitals, Kitchener, Canada
| | - Marco L. A. Sivilotti
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
- Ontario Poison Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Mark C. Yarema
- Department of Radiation Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Canada
- Poison and Drug Information Service, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Dylan Tucker
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - David W. Johnson
- Poison and Drug Information Service, Alberta Health Services, Calgary, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Daniel A. Spyker
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Oregon Poison Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Barry H. Rumack
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO, USA
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8
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Tang D, Chan WL, Phua DH. Performance of an emergency department observation unit protocol in reducing length of stay for acetaminophen overdose: a retrospective study. Int J Emerg Med 2018; 11:48. [PMID: 31179941 PMCID: PMC6326143 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-018-0210-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acetaminophen is one of the most common causes of poisoning among developed countries. The emergency department observation unit (EDOU) has been increasingly used in the management of various conditions to reduce hospitalisation but its efficacy in not well studied in management of poisoned patients. In this study, we aim to study the effectiveness of our EDOU in the management of acetaminophen overdosed patients. Results Medical records of patients admitted from the emergency department from 2012 to 2016 for acetaminophen overdose were reviewed. One hundred ninety-five patients presenting with acetaminophen overdose were admitted to the EDOU while 184 were admitted to the general ward. Of these, 27 patients admitted to EDOU did not meet the admission criteria for it while 71 patients who met EDOU criteria were admitted to the ward instead. For patients who fulfilled EDOU admission criteria, median length of stay for EDOU patients was 23 h (IQR 19–24) while that for those admitted to the ward was 66 h (IQR 62.5–88.3). Conclusion The EDOU is a safe alternative to hospitalisation for patients presenting with acetaminophen poisoning. It is also associated with a shorter length of stay for such patients. Further studies need to be done to assess the cost-effectiveness of EDOU for management of patients presenting with acetaminophen overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilin Tang
- Emergency Department, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Emergency Department Level B1 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore.
| | - Wui Ling Chan
- Emergency Department, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Emergency Department Level B1 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
| | - Dong Haur Phua
- Emergency Department, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Emergency Department Level B1 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore, 308433, Singapore
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9
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Geib T, LeBlanc A, Shiao TC, Roy R, Leslie EM, Karvellas CJ, Sleno L. Absolute quantitation of acetaminophen-modified human serum albumin in acute liver failure patients by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2018; 32:1573-1582. [PMID: 29920820 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Acetaminophen (APAP) is a well-known analgesic, deemed a very safe over-the-counter medication. However, it is also the main cause of acute liver failure (ALF) in the Western world, via the formation of its reactive metabolite, N-acetyl p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), and its covalent attachment to liver proteins. The aim of this study was to develop a sensitive and robust quantitative assay to monitor APAP-protein binding to human serum albumin (HSA) in patient samples. METHODS A combination of isotope dilution, peptic digestion and solid-phase extraction coupled to liquid chromatography/multiple reaction monitoring (LC/MRM) was employed. An external calibration curve with surrogate modified protein spiked into blank serum was used for absolute quantitation. Samples were analyzed by LC/MRM to measure the modified active site peptide of HSA. The LC/MRM assay was validated and successfully applied to serum samples from patients suffering from APAP-induced ALF. RESULTS Accuracy ranged from 83.8-113.3%, within-run coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from 0.3-6.9%, and total CVs from 1.6-10.6%. Patient samples ranged from 0.12-3.91 nmol/mL NAPQI-HSA; in-between the assay dynamic range of 0.11-50.13 nmol/mL serum. In vivo median concentrations were found to be 0.62 nmol/mL and 0.91 nmol/mL for non-spontaneous survivors (n = 25) and individuals with irreversible liver damage (n = 10), respectively (p-value = 0.028), demonstrating significant potential as a biomarker for ALF outcome. CONCLUSIONS A fast and sensitive assay was developed to accurately quantify NAPQI-HSA as a biomarker for APAP-related covalent binding in human serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timon Geib
- Chemistry Department/Pharmaqam, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - André LeBlanc
- Chemistry Department/Pharmaqam, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Tze Chieh Shiao
- Chemistry Department/Pharmaqam, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - René Roy
- Chemistry Department/Pharmaqam, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Elaine M Leslie
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Constantine J Karvellas
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Gastroenterology/Hepatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lekha Sleno
- Chemistry Department/Pharmaqam, Université du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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10
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Chomchai S, Chomchai C. Being overweight or obese as a risk factor for acute liver injury secondary to acute acetaminophen overdose. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2017; 27:19-24. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.4339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Summon Chomchai
- Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital; Mahidol University; Bangkok Thailand
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Wong A, Sivilotti MLA, Gunja N, McNulty R, Graudins A. Accuracy of the paracetamol-aminotransferase product to predict hepatotoxicity in paracetamol overdose treated with a 2-bag acetylcysteine regimen. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2017; 56:182-188. [PMID: 28756679 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2017.1355058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Paracetamol concentration is a highly accurate risk predictor for hepatotoxicity following overdose with known time of ingestion. However, the paracetamol-aminotransferase multiplication product can be used as a risk predictor independent of timing or ingestion type. Validated in patients treated with the traditional, "three-bag" intravenous acetylcysteine regimen, we evaluated the accuracy of the multiplication product in paracetamol overdose treated with a two-bag acetylcysteine regimen. METHODS We examined consecutive patients treated with the two-bag regimen from five emergency departments over a two-year period. We assessed the predictive accuracy of initial multiplication product for the primary outcome of hepatotoxicity (peak alanine aminotransferase ≥1000IU/L), as well as for acute liver injury (ALI), defined peak alanine aminotransferase ≥2× baseline and above 50IU/L). RESULTS Of 447 paracetamol overdoses treated with the two-bag acetylcysteine regimen, 32 (7%) developed hepatotoxicity and 73 (16%) ALI. The pre-specified cut-off points of 1500 mg/L × IU/L (sensitivity 100% [95% CI 82%, 100%], specificity 62% [56%, 67%]) and 10,000 mg/L × IU/L (sensitivity 70% [47%, 87%], specificity of 97% [95%, 99%]) were highly accurate for predicting hepatotoxicity. There were few cases of hepatotoxicity irrespective of the product when acetylcysteine was administered within eight hours of overdose, when the product was largely determined by a high paracetamol concentration but normal aminotransferase. CONCLUSIONS The multiplication product accurately predicts hepatotoxicity when using a two-bag acetylcysteine regimen, especially in patients treated more than eight hours post-overdose. Further studies are needed to assess the product as a method to adjust for exposure severity when testing efficacy of modified acetylcysteine regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anselm Wong
- a Department of Medicine , School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University , Victoria , Australia.,b Austin Toxicology Service and Victorian Poisons Information Centre, Austin Health , Victoria , Australia
| | - Marco L A Sivilotti
- c Departments of Emergency Medicine and Biomedical & Molecular Sciences , Queen's University , Kingston , Canada
| | - Naren Gunja
- d Westmead and Blacktown Hospitals , Western Sydney Toxicology Service , Sydney , Australia
| | - Richard McNulty
- d Westmead and Blacktown Hospitals , Western Sydney Toxicology Service , Sydney , Australia
| | - Andis Graudins
- a Department of Medicine , School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University , Victoria , Australia.,e Monash Toxicology Service, Monash Health , Dandenong , Australia
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12
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Pharmacokinetic modelling of modified acetylcysteine infusion regimens used in the treatment of paracetamol poisoning. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00228-017-2277-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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13
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Wong A, Graudins A. Risk prediction of hepatotoxicity in paracetamol poisoning. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2017; 55:879-892. [DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2017.1317349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anselm Wong
- Victorian Poisons Information Centre and Austin Toxicology Service, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Australia
- Monash Emergency Research Collaborative, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Clinical Toxicology Service, Program of Emergency Medicine, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
| | - Andis Graudins
- Victorian Poisons Information Centre and Austin Toxicology Service, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Australia
- Monash Emergency Research Collaborative, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Clinical Toxicology Service, Program of Emergency Medicine, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
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Zyoud SH, Waring WS, Al-Jabi SW, Sweileh WM, Awang R. The 100 most influential publications in paracetamol poisoning treatment: a bibliometric analysis of human studies. SPRINGERPLUS 2016; 5:1534. [PMID: 27652107 PMCID: PMC5019997 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-3240-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analysis of the most influential publications within paracetamol poisoning treatment can be helpful in recognizing main and novel treatment issues within the field of toxicology. The current study was performed to recognize and describe the most highly cited articles related to paracetamol poisoning treatment. METHODS The 100 most highly cited articles in paracetamol poisoning treatment were identified from the Scopus database in November 2015. All eligible articles were read for basic information, including total number of citations, average citations per year, authors' names, journal name, impact factors, document types and countries of authors of publications. RESULTS The median number of citations was 75 (interquartile range 56-137). These publications were published between 1974 and 2013. The average number of years since publication was 17.6 years, and 45 of the publications were from the 2000s. A significant, modest positive correlation was found between years since publication and the number of citations among the top 100 cited articles (r = 0.316; p = 0.001). A total of 55 journals published these 100 most cited articles. Nine documents were published in Clinical Toxicology, whereas eight documents were published in Annals of Emergency Medicine. Citations per year since publication for the top 100 most-cited articles ranged from 1.5 to 42.6 and had a mean of 8.5 citations per year and a median of 5.9 with an interquartile range of 3.75-10.35. In relation to the origin of the research publications, they were from 8 countries. The USA had the largest number of articles, 47, followed by the UK and Australia with 38 and nine articles respectively. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first bibliometric assessment of the top 100 cited articles in toxicology literature. Interest in paracetamol poisoning as a serious clinical problem continues to grow. Research published in high-impact journals and from high income countries is most likely to be cited in published paracetamol research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sa’ed H. Zyoud
- Poison Control and Drug Information Center (PCDIC), College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Information, National Poison Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 11800 Pulau Pinang, Penang Malaysia
| | - W. Stephen Waring
- Acute Medical Unit, York Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Wigginton Road, York, YO31 8HE UK
| | - Samah W. Al-Jabi
- Department of Clinical and Community Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
| | - Waleed M. Sweileh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, 44839 Palestine
| | - Rahmat Awang
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Information, National Poison Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 11800 Pulau Pinang, Penang Malaysia
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Outcomes of Patients With Premature Discontinuation of the 21-h Intravenous N-Acetylcysteine Protocol After Acute Acetaminophen Overdose. J Emerg Med 2016; 50:629-37. [PMID: 26899513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jemermed.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The minimum recommended treatment duration for i.v. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) after an acute, single acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is 21 h. Some have questioned whether shorter courses may be sufficient in carefully selected cases. OBJECTIVE We sought to describe the incidence of hepatotoxicity in a cohort of acute APAP overdose patients who received <21 h of i.v. NAC for any reason. METHODS We performed a secondary analysis of a large multicenter retrospective cohort of patients hospitalized for APAP poisoning. We selected patients with a potentially toxic serum APAP concentration measured between 4 and 24 h post ingestion, in whom i.v. NAC was initiated but discontinued before completing the full 21-h course. We further characterized outcomes in these patients as a function of two novel risk-prediction tools, the psi (ψ) parameter and APAP × aminotransferase (AT) product. The ψ parameter is an estimate of the cellular burden of injury based on the area under the concentration-time curve before treatment, and calculated with respect to the APAP concentration and time to initiation of NAC. RESULTS Fifty-nine patients met inclusion criteria. Intravenous NAC was initiated a median of 11.3 h post ingestion and administered for a median of 11.0 h. Hepatotoxicity (aspartate aminotransferase [AST] or alanine aminotransferase [ALT] > 1,000 IU/L) occurred in one patient (1.7%; 95% confidence interval 0.04-9.1), and eight additional patients developed hepatic injury (AST or ALT > 100 IU/L). No fatalities occurred. A multiplication product of APAP and AT (APAP × AT) that falls below 10,000 μmol/L/IU-L, or pretreatment ψ < 5 mmol/L-h suggested a low risk of hepatic injury. CONCLUSIONS In this retrospective analysis of patients treated with < 21 h of i.v. NAC for acute APAP overdose, the incidence of hepatotoxicity and coagulopathy was low, despite delays to NAC treatment.
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Kirschner RI, Rozier CM, Smith LM, Jacobitz KL. Nomogram line crossing after acetaminophen combination product overdose. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2015; 54:40-6. [PMID: 26567585 DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2015.1110591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Rumack-Matthew nomogram predicts the risk of hepatotoxicity following acute acetaminophen overdose based on a serum concentration obtained ≥ 4-hour post-ingestion. Some patients with low-risk concentrations at 4 hours may have subsequent values indicating increased risk (above the nomogram treatment line), especially if coingestants that slow gastrointestinal motility are involved. The treatment line currently used to identify low risk patients in the United States, Canada, and Australia begins at 150 mcg/mL (993 μmol/L) and intersects at 18.75 mcg/mL (124.1 μmol/L) 16 hours post-ingestion. OBJECTIVE To determine the incidence of nomogram line crossing after acute overdose of acetaminophen combination products containing an opioid or antihistamine. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of hospitalized patients reported to a regional poison center (RPC) after acute overdose of a combination product containing an opioid or antihistamine. If a 4-hour acetaminophen concentration was detectable but below the nomogram treatment line, the RPC recommended repeat concentrations. Patients were entered into the study if at least one subsequent concentration was available. During follow-up calls hospital providers were queried regarding clinical features, treatment, and indicators of liver injury. RESULTS Over a 4-year period 76 patients met entry criteria. 5/76 (6.6%) had measureable acetaminophen concentrations below the treatment line at or close to 4-hour post-ingestion followed by values above the line obtained at 6.5-12.5 hours. Four of the five were treated with acetylcysteine and none developed hepatotoxicity. Four of the five had clinical features reported to the RPC suggesting toxicity from the opioid or antihistamine component. CONCLUSION After acute overdose of acetaminophen combination products, patients with detectable but non-toxic 4-hour acetaminophen concentrations should have repeat concentrations obtained in a time frame that would allow providers to initiate acetylcysteine treatment, if needed, without undue delay.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lynette M Smith
- c College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
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Curtis RM, Sivilotti MLA. A descriptive analysis of aspartate and alanine aminotransferase rise and fall following acetaminophen overdose. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2015; 53:849-55. [PMID: 26294195 DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2015.1077968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Risk prediction following acetaminophen (paracetamol, APAP) overdose is based on serum APAP, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. One recently proposed risk stratification tool, the APAPxAT multiplication product, uses either AST or ALT, whichever is higher, yet their interrelation is not well known following APAP-induced hepatic injury. OBJECTIVE To describe the kinetics of AST and ALT release into and disappearance from the circulation following APAP overdose. MATERIALS AND METHODS An observational case series of adult patients with peak AST or ALT > 100 IU/L attributable to APAP toxicity. Cases were identified by electronic search of hospital laboratory database and by discharge diagnosis corroborated by structured explicit medical record review. RESULTS Of 68 cases identified (mean age (SD): 39 (18) years, 63% female, and 21% ethanol co-ingested), 28 (41%) developed hepatotoxicity (peak AST or ALT > 1000 IU/L), 28 (41%) coagulopathy (international normalized ratio or INR > 2), and 21 (31%) both. Three patients (4%) were transferred for liver transplantation and ultimately six (8.8%) died. Serum AST and ALT activity rose in a closely aligned 1:1 AST:ALT ratio, but fell at distinctly different rates: AST activity fell with a half-life (interquartile range [IQR]) of 15.1 (12.2, 19.4) hours, and ALT 39.6 (32.9, 47.6) hours. Using an aminotransferase falling to below 50% of peak as the basis for discontinuing acetylcysteine would have resulted in antidotal treatment being stopped 24 (IQR: 9.6, 40) hours earlier (and in no cases later) using AST rather than ALT. Only six patients had an AST:ALT ratio greater than 2:1 at the time of acetylcysteine administration; of these six, four died and one survivor developed coagulopathy. DISCUSSION AST and ALT release into the circulation appears tightly linked and numerically similar, except in the sickest patients. Once the aminotransferases peak, AST returns to baseline more quickly. CONCLUSION Either AST or ALT can be used for early risk stratification tools when only one is known. Any criterion for N-AC discontinuation should be based on the decline of AST rather than ALT, with a potential benefit measured in days.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mason Curtis
- a Departments of Emergency Medicine and of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences , Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario , Canada
| | - Marco L A Sivilotti
- a Departments of Emergency Medicine and of Biomedical & Molecular Sciences , Queen's University , Kingston, Ontario , Canada
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Mullins ME, McGovern AJ. Can AST/ALT ratio indicate recovery after acute paracetamol poisoning? The authors reply. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2015; 53:581-2. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2015.1027905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Seifert SA, Kirschner RI, Martin TG, Schrader RM, Karowski K, Anaradian PC. Acetaminophen concentrations prior to 4 hours of ingestion: Impact on diagnostic decision-making and treatment. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2015; 53:618-23. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2015.1059942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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LeBlanc A, Shiao TC, Roy R, Sleno L. Absolute Quantitation of NAPQI-Modified Rat Serum Albumin by LC–MS/MS: Monitoring Acetaminophen Covalent Binding in Vivo. Chem Res Toxicol 2014; 27:1632-9. [DOI: 10.1021/tx500284g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- André LeBlanc
- Pharmaqam, Chemistry Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Downtown Station, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Tze Chieh Shiao
- Pharmaqam, Chemistry Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Downtown Station, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - René Roy
- Pharmaqam, Chemistry Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Downtown Station, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
| | - Lekha Sleno
- Pharmaqam, Chemistry Department, Université du Québec à Montréal, P.O. Box 8888, Downtown Station, Montréal, Québec H3C 3P8, Canada
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Hodgman MJ. Seeking a role, Psi and APAP×AT as acetaminophen risk assessment tools. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2014; 52:451-3. [PMID: 24842249 DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2014.917182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M J Hodgman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Upstate New York Poison Center, SUNY Upstate Medical University , Syracuse, NY , USA
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Chomchai S, Chomchai C. Predicting acute acetaminophen hepatotoxicity with acetaminophen-aminotransferase multiplication product and the Psi parameter. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2014; 52:506-11. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2014.917180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Performance of a multi-disciplinary emergency department observation protocol for acetaminophen overdose. J Med Toxicol 2014; 9:235-41. [PMID: 23793935 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-013-0310-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The availability of 20-h N-acetylcysteine (NAC) infusion for low-risk acetaminophen (APAP) overdose enabled our center to implement an Emergency Department observation unit (OU) protocol as an alternative to hospitalization. Our objective was to evaluate our early experience with this protocol. This retrospective cohort study included all patients treated for low-risk APAP overdose in our academic hospital between 2006 and 2011. Cases were identified using OU and pharmacy records. Successful OU discharge was defined as disposition with no inpatient admission. Differences in medians with 95 % confidence intervals were used for comparisons. One hundred ninety-six patients received NAC for APAP overdose with a mean age of 35 years (SD 14); 73 % were white, and 43 % were male. Twenty (10 %) received care in the OU; 3/20(15 %) met criteria for inclusion in the OU protocol and 13/20(65 %) were discharged successfully. Out of the 196 patients, 10 met criteria for inclusion in the OU protocol but instead received care in the inpatient setting. The median total length of stay from presentation to ED discharge was 41 h for all patients treated in the OU, compared to 68 h for ten patients who met criteria for inclusion in the OU protocol but who were admitted (difference 27 h, 95 % CI 18-72 h). ED observation for APAP overdose can be a viable alternative to inpatient admission. Most patients were successfully discharged from the OU. This evaluation identified both over- and under-utilization of the OU. OU treatment resulted in shorter median length of stay than inpatient admission.
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Waring WS. Criteria for acetylcysteine treatment and clinical outcomes after paracetamol poisoning. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2014; 5:311-8. [DOI: 10.1586/ecp.12.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Sivilotti MLA, Juurlink DN, Garland JS, Lenga I, Poley R, Hanly LN, Thompson M. Antidote removal during haemodialysis for massive acetaminophen overdose. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2013; 51:855-63. [PMID: 24134534 DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2013.844824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Haemodialysis is sometimes used for patients with massive acetaminophen overdose when signs of "mitochondrial paralysis" (lactic acidosis, altered mental status, hypothermia and hyperglycaemia) are present. The role of haemodialysis is debated, in part because the evidence base is weak and the endogenous clearance of acetaminophen is high. There is also concern because the antidote acetylcysteine is also dialyzable. We prospectively measured serum acetylcysteine concentrations during haemodialysis in three such cases. CASE DETAILS Three adults each presented comatose and acidemic 10 to ~18 h after ingesting > 1000mg/kg of acetaminophen. Two were hypothermic and hyperglycaemic. Serum lactate concentrations ranged from 7 mM to 12.5 mM. All three were intubated, and initial acetaminophen concentrations were as high as 5980 μM (900 μg/mL). An intravenous loading dose of 150 mg/kg acetylcysteine was initiated between 10.8 and ~18 h post ingestion, and additional doses were empirically administered during haemodialysis to compensate for possible antidote removal. A single run of 3-4 h of haemodialysis removed 10-20 g of acetaminophen (48-80% of remaining body burden), reduced serum acetaminophen concentrations by 56-84% (total clearance 3.4-7.8 mL/kg/min), accelerated native acetaminophen clearance (mean elimination half-life 580 min pre-dialysis, 120 min during and 340 min post-dialysis) and corrected acidemia. Extraction ratios of acetylcysteine across the dialysis circuit ranged from 73% to 87% (dialysance 3.0 to 5.3 mL/kg/min). All three patients recovered fully, and none developed coagulopathy or other signs of liver failure. DISCUSSION When massive acetaminophen ingestion is accompanied by coma and lactic acidosis, emergency haemodialysis can result in rapid biochemical improvement. As expected, haemodialysis more than doubles the clearance of both acetaminophen and acetylcysteine. Because acetylcysteine dosing is largely empirical, we recommend doubling the dose during haemodialysis, with an additional half-load when dialysis exceeds 6 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L A Sivilotti
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University , Kingston, ON , Canada
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[Charcoal, cocaine and rattlesnakes: evidence-based treatment of poisoning]. Anaesthesist 2013; 62:824-31. [PMID: 24036518 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-013-2229-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since ancient times poisoning has been treated medicinally. Clinical toxicology, in the narrow sense of the term, developed from the foundation of specialized medical treatment units for poisoning and the formation of the first poison information centers in the second half of the twentieth century. Historically, the first poison information centers were often localized at pediatric clinics or departments of internal medicine. It became increasingly more obvious that this pooling of competences made sense. AIM This article gives a general introduction in clinical toxicology and presents the functions and key activities of emergency poison centers. MATERIAL AND METHODS The organisation and work of a poisons centre is demonstrated on the basis of the Poisons Information Center (GIZ) North annual report for 2011. In a short summary the basic principles of clinical toxicology are elucidated: the primary removal of poisons by gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal, secondary removal of poisons by enhanced elimination using hemodialysis, hemoperfusion, multi-dose activated charcoal and molecular adsorbent recirculating systems (MARS) and the indications for administration of specific antidotes or antivenins (antisera against poisoning by poisonous animals). RESULTS Gastric lavage is indicated within 1 h after ingestion of a potentially life-threatening dose of a poison. In cases of poisoning with substances which penetrate the central nervous system (CNS) gastric lavage should be performed only after endotracheal intubation due to the risk of aspiration. The basic management of poisoned patients by emergency medicine personnel out of hospital and on the way to hospital is presented. The Bremen list, a compilation of the five antidotes, atropine, 4-dimethylaminophenol (4-DMAP), tolonium chloride, naloxone and activated charcoal for out of hospital treatment by emergency doctors is presented. CONCLUSION In all, even questionable cases of poisoning consultation at emergency poison centers is recommended. An extensive list of all German speaking poison information centers is available on the homepage of GIZ-Nord (http://www.giz-nord.de).
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Green JL, Heard KJ, Reynolds KM, Albert D. Oral and Intravenous Acetylcysteine for Treatment of Acetaminophen Toxicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. West J Emerg Med 2013; 14:218-26. [PMID: 23687539 PMCID: PMC3656701 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.2012.4.6885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Revised: 03/08/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are few reports summarizing the effectiveness of oral and intravenous (IV) acetylcysteine. We determined the proportion of acetaminophen poisoned patients who develop hepatotoxicity (serum transaminase > 1000 IU/L) when treated with oral and IV acetylcysteine. METHODS Studies were double abstracted by trained researchers. We determined the proportions of patients who developed hepatotoxicity for each route using a random effects model. Studies were further stratified by early and late treatment. RESULTS We screened 4,416 abstracts; 16 articles, including 5,164 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. The overall rate of hepatotoxicity for the oral and IV routes were 12.6% and 13.2%, respectively. Treatment delays are associated with a higher rate of hepatotoxicity. CONCLUSION Studies report similar rates of hepatotoxicity for oral and IV acetylcysteine, but direct comparisons are lacking. While it is difficult to disentangle the effects of dose and duration from route, our findings suggest that the rates of hepatotoxicity are similar for oral and IV administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody L Green
- Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center, Denver Health Medical Center, University of Colorado, Denver, Colorado ; Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, Nashville, Tennessee
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Thanacoody HKR, Gray A, Dear JW, Coyle J, Sandilands EA, Webb DJ, Lewis S, Eddleston M, Thomas SH, Bateman DN. Scottish and Newcastle antiemetic pre-treatment for paracetamol poisoning study (SNAP). BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2013; 14:20. [PMID: 23556549 PMCID: PMC3626543 DOI: 10.1186/2050-6511-14-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Paracetamol (acetaminophen) poisoning remains the commonest cause of acute liver injury in Europe and North America. The intravenous (IV) N-acetylcysteine (NAC) regimen introduced in the 1970s has continued effectively unchanged. This involves 3 different infusion regimens (dose and time) lasting over 20 hours. The same weight-related dose of NAC is used irrespective of paracetamol dose. Complications include frequent nausea and vomiting, anaphylactoid reactions and dosing errors. We designed a randomised controlled study investigating the efficacy of antiemetic pre-treatment (ondansetron) using standard NAC and a modified, shorter, regimen. Methods/Design We designed a double-blind trial using a 2 × 2 factorial design involving four parallel groups. Pre-treatment with ondansetron 4 mg IV was compared against placebo on nausea and vomiting following the standard (20.25 h) regimen, or a novel 12 h NAC regimen in paracetamol poisoning. Each delivered 300 mg/kg bodyweight NAC. Randomisation was stratified on: paracetamol dose, perceived risk factors, and time to presentation. The primary outcome was the incidence of nausea and vomiting following NAC. In addition the frequency of anaphylactoid reactions and end of treatment liver function documented. Where clinically necessary further doses of NAC were administered as per standard UK protocols at the end of the first antidote course. Discussion This study is primarily designed to test the efficacy of prophylactic anti-emetic therapy with ondansetron, but is the first attempt to formally examine new methods of administering IV NAC in paracetamol overdose. We anticipate, from volunteer studies, that nausea and vomiting will be less frequent with the new NAC regimen. In addition as anaphylactoid response appears related to plasma concentrations of both NAC and paracetamol anaphylactoid reactions should be less likely. This study is not powered to assess the relative efficacy of the two NAC regimens, however it will give useful information to power future studies. As the first formal randomised clinical trial in this patient group in over 30 years this study will also provide information to support further studies in patients in paracetamol overdose, particularly, when linked with modern novel biomarkers of liver damage, patients at different toxicity risk. Trial registration EudraCT number 2009-017800-10, ClinicalTrials.gov IdentifierNCT01050270
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Schaper A, Ceschi A, Deters M, Kaiser G. Of pills, plants, and paraquat: the relevance of poison centers in emergency medicine. Eur J Intern Med 2013; 24:104-9. [PMID: 23245927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2012.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The organization and work of a poisons center are demonstrated on the basis of GIZ-Nord Poisons Center Annual Report for 2011. In a short summary the basic principles of clinical toxicology are elucidated: the indications for gastric lavage and the application of activated charcoal. Moreover the means of enhanced elimination are presented: hemodialysis, hemoperfusion, multi-dose activated charcoal and molecular absorbent recirculating system (MARS). Gastric lavage is indicated within one hour after ingestion of a life-threatening dose of a poison. In intoxications with CNS penetrating substances gastric lavage should be performed only after endotracheal intubation due to the risk of aspiration. The basic management of the intoxicated patient by emergency medicine personnel out of hospital and on the way into the hospital is presented. The "Bremen List", a compilation of five antidotes (atropine, 4-DMAP, tolonium chloride, naloxone, activated charcoal) for the out of hospital treatment by emergency doctors is introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Schaper
- GIZ-Nord Poisons Centre, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Straße 40, 37075 Göttingen, Germany.
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Ross MA, Aurora T, Graff L, Suri P, O'Malley R, Ojo A, Bohan S, Clark C. State of the art: emergency department observation units. Crit Pathw Cardiol 2012; 11:128-38. [PMID: 22825533 DOI: 10.1097/hpc.0b013e31825def28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Hospitals and emergency departments face the challenges of escalating healthcare costs, mismatched resource utilization, concern over avoidable admissions, and hospital and emergency department overcrowding. One approach that has been used by hospitals to address these issues is the use of emergency department observation units. Research in this setting has increased in recent years, leading to a better understanding of the role of these units and their unique benefits. These benefits have been proven for health systems as a whole and for several acute conditions including chest pain, asthma, syncope, transient ischemic attack, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, abdominal pain, and more. Benefits include a decrease in diagnostic uncertainty, lower cost and resource utilization, improved patient satisfaction, and clinical outcomes that are comparable to admitted patients. As more hospitals begin to use observation units, there is a need for further education and research in how to optimize the use of emergency department observation units. The purpose of this article is to provide a general overview of observation units, including advancements and research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Ross
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Chomchai S, Chomchai C, Anusornsuwan T. Acetaminophen psi parameter: A useful tool to quantify hepatotoxicity risk in acute acetaminophen overdose. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2011; 49:664-7. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2011.597031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Alhelail MA, Hoppe JA, Rhyee SH, Heard KJ. Clinical course of repeated supratherapeutic ingestion of acetaminophen. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2011; 49:108-12. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2011.554839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Green TJ, Sivilotti MLA, Langmann C, Yarema M, Juurlink D, Burns MJ, Johnson DW. When do the aminotransferases rise after acute acetaminophen overdose? Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2010; 48:787-92. [PMID: 20969501 DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2010.523828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Green
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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Sivilotti ML, Green TJ, Langmann C, Yarema M, Juurlink D, Johnson D. Multiplying the serum aminotransferase by the acetaminophen concentration to predict toxicity following overdose. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2010; 48:793-9. [DOI: 10.3109/15563650.2010.523829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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Buckley NA, Eddleston M, Li Y. IV versus Oral Acetylcysteine. Ann Emerg Med 2010; 55:393-4; author reply 394-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2009.11.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2009] [Revised: 10/25/2009] [Accepted: 11/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Betten DP, Burner EE, Thomas SC, Tomaszewski C, Clark RF. A retrospective evaluation of shortened-duration oral N-acetylcysteine for the treatment of acetaminophen poisoning. J Med Toxicol 2010; 5:183-90. [PMID: 19876849 DOI: 10.1007/bf03178264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The use of less than the traditional 72-hour course of oral N-acetylcysteine has been an alternative treatment option following potentially toxic acute and chronic acetaminophen ingestions felt to be at low risk of developing hepatotoxicity. While clinical experience with shortened treatment duration is extensive, there are few studies evaluating the effectiveness and extent to which these regimens may be used. METHODS A large statewide poison center database was reviewed for all acetaminophen exposures involving potentially toxic acute and chronic ingestions, in addition to those taking place at unknown times. Patients were identified who met laboratory criteria for early N-acetylcysteine (NAC) discontinuation (APAP>10 micro/mL, INR<or=1.3, and AST/ALT<or=60 IU) after a minimum of a 140-mg/kg oral NAC loading dose and 5 additional 70-mg/kg doses over 20 hours. A further search of the poison center database was conducted for individuals who received shortened-course (20-48 hours) oral NAC treatment who developed subsequent hepatotoxicity or death. RESULTS Of 3303 individuals with potentially toxic acetaminophen ingestions, 1932 met criteria for early NAC discontinuation. Mean treatment duration was 36.4+/-7.7 hours (acute=37.3+/-7.6 hours; chronic=34.8+/-7.4 hours; unknown=35.2+/-7.6 hours). The poison center database search identified no short-course eligible subjects who developed subsequent hepatotoxicity or death following<or=48 hours of oral NAC. CONCLUSION Treatment with shortened-course oral NAC in patients meeting criteria for early discontinuation may be an effective treatment option in a sizeable proportion of individuals with potentially toxic acetaminophen ingestions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Betten
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sparrow Hospital, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, MI 48912, USA.
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Yarema MC, Johnson DW, Sivilotti ML, Spyker DA, Rumack BH. In reply. Ann Emerg Med 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2009.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Yarema MC, Johnson DW, Berlin RJ, Sivilotti MLA, Nettel-Aguirre A, Brant RF, Spyker DA, Bailey B, Chalut D, Lee JS, Plint AC, Purssell RA, Rutledge T, Seviour CA, Stiell IG, Thompson M, Tyberg J, Dart RC, Rumack BH. Comparison of the 20-hour intravenous and 72-hour oral acetylcysteine protocols for the treatment of acute acetaminophen poisoning. Ann Emerg Med 2009; 54:606-14. [PMID: 19556028 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2009.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2009] [Revised: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 05/07/2009] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE To compare outcomes after acute acetaminophen poisoning in 2 large cohorts of patients treated with either the 20-hour intravenous or 72-hour oral acetylcysteine protocol. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study with historical control comparing patients treated with one of 2 acetylcysteine regimens. Data for the 20-hour group were obtained from a medical record review of patients on whom the 20-hour intravenous protocol was initiated in Canadian hospitals from 1980 to 2005. The 72-hour group consisted of a historical cohort of patients treated in US hospitals with the 72-hour oral protocol from 1976 to 1985. The primary outcome was hepatotoxicity (aminotransferase levels >1,000 IU/L). RESULTS Of the 4,048 patients analyzed, 2,086 were in the 20-hour group and 1,962 were in the 72-hour group. The incidence of hepatotoxicity was 13.9% in the 20-hour group and 15.8% in the 72-hour group (-1.9% absolute difference; 95% confidence interval [CI] -4.2 to 0.3). The relative risk of hepatotoxicity was lower in the 20-hour group when acetylcysteine was initiated within 12 hours of ingestion. The relative risk was lower in the 72-hour group when acetylcysteine was initiated later than 18 hours after ingestion. There was no significant risk difference between groups when acetylcysteine treatment was started 12 to 18 hours after ingestion. One patient in the 20-hour group received a liver transplant and died because of acetaminophen toxicity compared with no liver transplants and 3 deaths in the 72-hour group. Anaphylactoid reactions to intravenous acetylcysteine were reported in 148 of 2,086 patients (7.1%; 95% CI 6.1% to 8.3%). This study is limited by comparison of 2 separate data sets from different countries and study years. CONCLUSION The risk of hepatotoxicity differed between the 20-hour and 72-hour protocols according to the time to initiation of acetylcysteine. It favored the 20-hour protocol for patients presenting early and favored the 72-hour protocol for patients presenting late after acute acetaminophen overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C Yarema
- Division of Emergency Medicine and Department of Family Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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Sohn SH, Lee EY, Lee JH, Kim Y, Shin M, Hong M, Bae H. Screening of herbal medicines for recovery of acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2009; 27:225-230. [PMID: 21783944 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2008.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2008] [Revised: 10/16/2008] [Accepted: 10/21/2008] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
This study was conducted to quantitatively evaluate the recovery effects of herbal medicines on acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity. In the present study, the recovery effects of 251 herb medicines on HEK 293 cells that had been damaged by acetaminophen were evaluated using an MTS assay. HEK 293 cells were cultured in 96-well plates and then pretreated with or without 20μM acetaminophen (IC(50) value: 17.5±1.9) for 1h. Next, different herbal medicines were added to the wells, after which the cells were reincubated at 37°C for 24h. After the first round of screening, the candidate herbal medicines were selected based on a recovery rate of greater than 20% and their efficacy were then determined by dose response kinetic analysis. Among these extracts, 8 herbal medicines (Ledebouriella divaricata, Sparganium simplex, Panax ginseng, Aster tataricus, Citrus aurantium, Sanguisorba officianlis, Arisaema consanguineum, and Polygonum aviculare) had a strong recovery effect on acetaminophen-induced damage in HEK 293 cells. Dose response non-linear regression analysis demonstrated that P. aviculare showed the best recovery rate (98%), and that its EC(50) (0.1ng/mL) was the smallest among the screened candidate herbal medicines. Additional studies of these herbal medicines should be conducted to determine if they possess novel therapeutic agents for the prevention or treatment of renal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Hwa Sohn
- BK21 Oriental Medical Science Center, KyungHee University, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
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Bartels S, Sivilotti M, Crosby D, Richard J. Are recommended doses of acetaminophen hepatotoxic for recently abstinent alcoholics? A randomized trial. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2009; 46:243-9. [DOI: 10.1080/15563650701447020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Renal injury at first presentation as a predictor for poor outcome in severe paracetamol poisoning referred to a liver transplant unit. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2008; 65:163-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00228-008-0580-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2008] [Accepted: 10/05/2008] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Sztajnkrycer MD, Mell HK, Melin GJ. Development and Implementation of An Emergency Department Observation Unit Protocol for Deliberate Drug Ingestion in Adults – Preliminary Results. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2008; 45:499-504. [PMID: 17503255 DOI: 10.1080/15563650701354168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients presenting after reported overdose are typically precluded from admission to emergency department observation units (EDOU). The purpose of this study was to describe the initial experience with an EDOU overdose protocol. METHODS Retrospective chart review of all individuals presenting to a tertiary care hospital with a chief complaint of overdose or intoxication for the period 7/1/2004 through 12/24/2004. Inclusion criteria for EDOU placement included asymptomatic patients aged >or= 15 years presenting after known or suspected potentially toxic exposure. Exclusion criteria included isolated ethanol intoxication, presence of persistent self-injurious or violent behaviors, chronic intoxication, ingestion of sustained release preparation, and presence of previously defined high-risk criteria. RESULTS Retrospective chart review demonstrated that 163 patients presented to the ED after ingestion during this time period, of which 15 were excluded secondary to age. Six patients were admitted to the EDOU. No patient eloped or attempted further self-harm while in the EDOU. No clinical decompensation occurred. Another 27 patients were retrospectively identified as EDOU candidates, eight of whom were admitted to the MICU. CONCLUSION Although initial numbers are too small for meaningful analysis, the results suggest that prolonged observation of this problematic patient subset within an EDOU is feasible.
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Ali FM, Boyer EW, Bird SB. Estimated risk of hepatotoxicity after an acute acetaminophen overdose in alcoholics. Alcohol 2008; 42:213-8. [PMID: 18358677 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2007.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2006] [Revised: 11/01/2007] [Accepted: 11/05/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
A published logistic regression model based on the Canadian Acetaminophen Overdose Study registry was used to calculate the risk of hepatotoxicity after an acute acetaminophen overdose and to estimate a treatment threshold line for alcoholic patients who did not co-ingest alcohol (i.e., abstinent alcoholics) on the Rumack-Matthew nomogram. The risk of hepatotoxicity in nonalcoholic and abstinent alcoholic patients was calculated at the acetaminophen concentration of 150 microg/ml at 4h (37.5 microg/ml at 12h) treatment threshold line. This corresponds to the "possible risk" line on the Rumack-Matthew nomogram and represents a 1.6% risk of hepatotoxicity for nonalcoholic patients at or below this line. At or below this same 150 microg/ml at 4-h line, abstinent alcoholic patients have a hepatotoxicity risk of 10.7%. The risk of hepatotoxicity in abstinent alcoholics' equivalent to that of nonalcoholics (i.e., 1.6%) occurs at a lower acetaminophen concentrations treatment threshold line, that is, 104 microg/ml at 4h (26 microg/ml at 12h). Because of difficulties plotting this new line on the familiar Rumack-Matthew semilogarithmic scale, a line connecting 100 microg/ml at 4h (25 microg/ml at 12h) is proposed. This line equates to a 1.1% risk of hepatotoxicity in abstinent alcoholic patients. The analysis supports the observation that based on the published model abstinent alcoholics might have a greater risk of hepatotoxicity after an acute acetaminophen overdose. This proposed new risk line can be used in hypothesis generation for future clinical studies in this alcohol related problem.
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Waring WS, Stephen AF, Malkowska AM, Robinson ODG. Acute ethanol coingestion confers a lower risk of hepatotoxicity after deliberate acetaminophen overdose. Acad Emerg Med 2008; 15:54-8. [PMID: 18211314 DOI: 10.1111/j.1553-2712.2007.00019.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about the clinical significance of acute ethanol coingestion around the time of acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose. This study prospectively examined the effect of acute ethanol coingestion on risk of hepatotoxicity among patients admitted to hospital for N-acetylcysteine (NAC) therapy after deliberate acetaminophen overdose. METHODS This was a prospective observational study and included sequential patients who presented within 24 hours of acute acetaminophen ingestion and required NAC therapy. Significant hepatotoxicity was defined by alanine transaminase > 1,000 U/L or the international normalized ratio > 1.3 after a standardized intravenous administration of 300 mg/kg NAC. RESULTS There were 362 patients, including 178 (49.2%) who coingested ethanol acutely. The prevalence of hepatotoxicity was 5.1% (95% CI = 2.6% to 9.5%) in those who ingested ethanol, compared to 15.2% (95% CI = 10.7% to 21.2%) in those who did not (p = 0.0027 by chi-square proportional test). Acute ethanol intake conferred a lower risk of hepatotoxicity in patients who had acetaminophen concentrations above or below the "200-line" and was independent of the interval between ingestion and assessment. CONCLUSIONS Acute ethanol intake is associated with a lower risk of hepatotoxicity after acetaminophen overdose. This apparent protective effect cannot be explained solely by lower exposure to acetaminophen in this group, nor differences in the interval between ingestion and initiation of treatment. Further work is required to establish mechanisms by which ethanol might confer protection against hepatotoxicity, so as to identify novel strategies for reducing risk after acute acetaminophen ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Stephen Waring
- Scottish Poisons Information Bureau, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland.
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Castanyer-Puig B, Barceló-Martín B, Puiguriguer-Ferrando J, Rovira-Illamola M, Soy-Muner D, Nogué-Xarau S. [Clinical value of estimated half-life in paracetamol poisoning as a complement to Rumack's nomogram]. Med Clin (Barc) 2007; 129:501-3. [PMID: 17980119 DOI: 10.1157/13111374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Rumack's nomogram is usually used to indicate the treatment with N-acetilcysteine in the paracetamol poisoning, but it has several limitations. Paracetamol half-life elimination (t1/2) is approximately of 2 h with therapeutic doses and it increases to more than 4 h in patients with hepatotoxicity. The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of estimated paracetamol t1/2 as greater than or inferior to 4 h by using a simple ratio in relation to the development of hepatotoxicity. PATIENTS AND METHOD 21 patients with paracetamol overdose were admitted to Son Dureta Hospital (Palma de Mallorca) and Clínic Hospital (Barcelona) over 13 months. The estimated t1/2 is calculated using the quotient between 2 plasma paracetamol concentrations separated by 2 or more hours. RESULTS We found a significant difference (p < 0.005) between the group with hepatotoxicity (n = 3; t1/2 = 8,5 h; range: 3,6 - 8,7 h); and without hepatotoxicity (n = 18; t1/2 = 2,4 h; (range: 1,6 - 4,3 h). We observed an agreement between positive ratio and a t1/2 > 4 h, and negative ratio with t1/2 < 4 h, bearing in mind that the quotient is obtained through mathematical equations. CONCLUSIONS Rumack's nomogram should be complemented with t1/2 estimation in all cases of paracetamol poisoning, especially with those patients for whom we are not able to determine the time of ingestion at presentation or if there has been a multiple-timepoint ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartomeu Castanyer-Puig
- Unidad de Toxicología Clínica, Servicio de Análisis Clínicos, Hospital Son Dureta. Palma de Mallorca, Islas Baleares, España.
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Myers RP, Leung Y, Shaheen AAM, Li B. Validation of ICD-9-CM/ICD-10 coding algorithms for the identification of patients with acetaminophen overdose and hepatotoxicity using administrative data. BMC Health Serv Res 2007; 7:159. [PMID: 17910762 PMCID: PMC2174469 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-7-159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2007] [Accepted: 10/02/2007] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acetaminophen overdose is the most common cause of acute liver failure (ALF). Our objective was to develop coding algorithms using administrative data for identifying patients with acetaminophen overdose and hepatic complications. Methods Patients hospitalized for acetaminophen overdose were identified using population-based administrative data (1995–2004). Coding algorithms for acetaminophen overdose, hepatotoxicity (alanine aminotransferase >1,000 U/L) and ALF (encephalopathy and international normalized ratio >1.5) were derived using chart abstraction data as the reference and logistic regression analyses. Results Of 1,776 potential acetaminophen overdose cases, the charts of 181 patients were reviewed; 139 (77%) had confirmed acetaminophen overdose. An algorithm including codes 965.4 (ICD-9-CM) and T39.1 (ICD-10) was highly accurate (sensitivity 90% [95% confidence interval 84–94%], specificity 83% [69–93%], positive predictive value 95% [89–98%], negative predictive value 71% [57–83%], c-statistic 0.87 [0.80–0.93]). Algorithms for hepatotoxicity (including codes for hepatic necrosis, toxic hepatitis and encephalopathy) and ALF (hepatic necrosis and encephalopathy) were also highly predictive (c-statistics = 0.88). The accuracy of the algorithms was not affected by age, gender, or ICD coding system, but the acetaminophen overdose algorithm varied between hospitals (c-statistics 0.84–0.98; P = 0.003). Conclusion Administrative databases can be used to identify patients with acetaminophen overdose and hepatic complications. If externally validated, these algorithms will facilitate investigations of the epidemiology and outcomes of acetaminophen overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Myers
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine; University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Community Health Sciences; University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Yvette Leung
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine; University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Abdel Aziz M Shaheen
- Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine; University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Community Health Sciences; University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Betten DP, Cantrell FL, Thomas SC, Williams SR, Clark RF. A Prospective Evaluation of Shortened Course Oral N-Acetylcysteine for the Treatment of Acute Acetaminophen Poisoning. Ann Emerg Med 2007; 50:272-9. [PMID: 17210206 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2006.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2006] [Revised: 11/01/2006] [Accepted: 11/07/2006] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVE Treatment with a shortened duration of oral N-acetylcysteine (20 to 48 hours) after acute acetaminophen poisoning is effective in the prevention of subsequent hepatic failure and death when administered to individuals meeting appropriate laboratory criteria. METHODS Individuals with a potentially toxic acetaminophen ingestion according to serum acetaminophen levels were identified prospectively using a large statewide poison control system database throughout a 12-month period. N-acetylcysteine was administered for a minimum of 6 doses (20 hours), after which laboratory studies were obtained. Discontinuation of N-acetylcysteine was recommended by the poison center when 2 criteria were met: serum acetaminophen was undetectable (<10 microg/mL) and liver test results were normal (serum aminotransferase, international normalized ratio). A follow-up questionnaire was administered to individuals treated with N-acetylcysteine for 48 hours or less to ascertain the presence of symptoms consistent with progressive hepatotoxicity. RESULTS Of 205 acutely poisoned individuals treated with N-acetylcysteine for 48 hours or less, 195 were successfully contacted after discharge, and 187 of 195 (95.9%) reported no symptoms consistent with hepatic failure. Eight individuals (4.1%) reported abdominal pain or vomiting; however, none received further N-acetylcysteine treatment or additional hospitalization. CONCLUSION A shortened duration of treatment with N-acetylcysteine (20 to 48 hours) may be an effective treatment option in individuals considered to be at no further risk of developing liver toxicity according to the fulfillment of appropriate laboratory criteria before N-acetylcysteine discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Betten
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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Abstract
Acetaminophen is a commonly used antipyretic and analgesic agent. It is safe when taken at therapeutic doses; however, overdose can lead to serious and even fatal hepatotoxicity. The initial metabolic and biochemical events leading to toxicity have been well described, but the precise mechanism of cell injury and death is unknown. Prompt recognition of overdose, aggressive management, and administration of N-acetylcysteine can minimize hepatotoxicity and prevent liver failure and death. Liver transplantation can be lifesaving for those who develop acute liver failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Larson
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology Section, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, Box 356174, Seattle, WA 98195-6174, USA.
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