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O'Callaghan C, Graudins A, Wong A. A two-bag acetylcysteine regimen is associated with shorter delays and interruptions in the treatment of paracetamol overdose. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2021; 60:319-323. [PMID: 34402711 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2021.1966027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The three-bag intravenous (IV) acetylcysteine regimen for paracetamol overdose is associated with frequent and long delays during treatment. This has not been previously studied in regard to the two-bag regimen. AIMS Our primary aim was to compare the cumulative duration of delays during IV acetylcysteine infusion between the three-bag and two-bag regimens. Secondary aims were to compare the frequency of delays and to identify causes for delay. METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study of patients receiving IV acetylcysteine for the treatment of paracetamol overdose, conducted at three Australian emergency departments. A cohort of patients treated with the three-bag regimen from October 2009 to October 2013 was compared to patients treated with the two-bag regimen from February 2014 to May 2020. Start times of each infusion were sourced from medical records and delays were calculated by comparing actual infusion time against prescribed time. Evidence of adverse drug reactions - gastrointestinal reactions and cutaneous and systemic non-allergic anaphylactoid reactions (NAARs) - were also recorded. RESULTS The three-bag cohort included 271 cases and the two-bag cohort included 598 cases. Delays were significantly shorter in the two-bag cohort, compared to the three-bag cohort: median delay 35 min (IQR: 15, 70) vs 65 min (IQR: 40, 105), p < 0.01. Delays longer than 1 h were less frequent in the two-bag cohort: 31% vs 51%, p < 0.01. NAARs were associated with significantly longer delays in both cohorts and were more frequent in the three-bag cohort. CONCLUSIONS The two-bag regimen was associated with significantly fewer and shorter delays. NAARs, which were more frequent in the three-bag cohort, were associated with significantly longer delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte O'Callaghan
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health. Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andis Graudins
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health. Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.,Monash Toxicology and Emergency Department, Monash Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anselm Wong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences at Monash Health. Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia.,Monash Toxicology and Emergency Department, Monash Health, Victoria, Australia.,Austin Toxicology Unit and Emergency Department, Austin Health, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Critical Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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2
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Acute Renal Failure and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Overdose With N-acetyl Cysteine After Acetaminophen Poisoning. Nephrourol Mon 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/numonthly.114074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Acetylcysteine is an effective treatment for acetaminophen poisoning. The preparation and dose calculation of acetylcysteine is associated with medical errors. The prevalence of this error is 34% globally. Case report: A 15-year-old girl took an overdose of acetaminophen in a suicide attempt. Acetylcysteine intravenous was ordered. Due to the medication error by the nurse, she received a 10-fold overdose of intravenous acetylcysteine in both initial loading dose and maintenance dose, at first day. On the second day, the patient showed abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and elevated liver enzymes. Her hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet quickly decreased. Subsequently, she developed oliguria, anuria, and rising serum creatinine levels. The patient was diagnosed with uremic hemolytic syndrome. She underwent hemodialysis and was treated with plasmapheresis, blood transfusions, and platelets. Discussion: The effects of acetaminophen poisoning and acetylcysteine overdose may be much more severe and have a greater impact on patient survival than each poisoning alone. Timely and accurate treatment measures can help prevent long-term side effects.
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Burnham K, Yang T, Smith H, Knight S. A review of alternative intravenous acetylcysteine regimens for acetaminophen overdose. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 14:1267-1278. [PMID: 34187297 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1946392] [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] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acetylcysteine is the standard treatment for preventing hepatotoxicity caused by acetaminophen overdose. Several novel approaches to the management of acetaminophen overdose have been suggested to improve patient safety by reducing adverse drug reactions and dosing errors. This article reviews these alternative treatment regimens and intends to offer a detailed assessment of the available options to assist providers in managing cases of acetaminophen overdose. AREAS COVERED This review article covers observational and experimental studies that assessed the efficacy and safety of alternative intravenous acetylcysteine regimens for acetaminophen overdose. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, ProQuest, and Scopus to identify the studies, which included results through April 2021. The assessment of alternative regimens consists of a discussion on the limitations and benefits, barriers to implementation, and important considerations for each regimen. EXPERT OPINION Several alternative regimens have been studied and implemented in various institutions. Many of these dosing regimens have supporting safety data but most lack robust data. A reduction in infusion-related side effects is an important outcome, but established efficacy, local poison center familiarity with the regimen, institutional resources, and patient-specific factors should be equally considered when deciding on implementing and using an alternative dosing strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Burnham
- Fisch College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Tianrui Yang
- Fisch College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Haleigh Smith
- Fisch College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Steven Knight
- Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Mansfield, TX, USA
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4
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O'Grady L, Mullins ME, Schwarz ES. A comment on ‘An assessment of the variation in the concentrations of acetylcysteine in infusions for the treatment of paracetamol overdose’. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 83:2833-2834. [DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren O'Grady
- Division of Emergency MedicineWashington University School of Medicine Saint Louis MO USA
| | - Michael E. Mullins
- Division of Emergency MedicineWashington University School of Medicine Saint Louis MO USA
| | - Evan S. Schwarz
- Division of Emergency MedicineWashington University School of Medicine Saint Louis MO USA
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5
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Schwarz ES, Mullins ME, Liss D. When two is not better than one. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 83:2310-2311. [PMID: 28543530 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 04/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Evan S Schwarz
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Michael E Mullins
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David Liss
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
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Bailey GP, Wood DM, Archer JRH, Rab E, Flanagan RJ, Dargan PI. An assessment of the variation in the concentration of acetylcysteine in infusions for the treatment of paracetamol overdose. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2016; 83:393-399. [PMID: 27558662 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intravenous acetylcysteine is the treatment of choice for paracetamol poisoning. A previous UK study in 2001 found that 39% of measured acetylcysteine infusion concentrations differed by >20% from anticipated concentrations. In 2012, the UK Commission on Human Medicines made recommendations for the management of paracetamol overdose, including provision of weight-based acetylcysteine dosing tables. The aim of this study was to assess variation in acetylcysteine concentrations in administered infusions following the introduction of this guidance. METHODS A 6-month single-centre prospective study was undertaken at a UK teaching hospital. After preparation, 5-ml samples were taken from the first, second and third/any subsequent acetylcysteine infusions. Acetylcysteine was measured in diluted (1:50) samples by high-performance liquid chromatography. Comparisons between measured and expected concentrations based on prescribed weight-based dose and volume were made for each infusion. RESULTS Ninety samples were collected. There was a variation of ≤10% in measured compared to expected concentration for 45 (50%) infusions, of 10-20% for 27 (30%) infusions, 20.1-50% for 14 (16%) infusions and >50% for four (4%) infusions. There was a median (interquartile range) variation in measured compared to expected concentration of -3.6 mg ml-1 (-6.7 to -2.3) for the first infusion, +0.2 mg ml-1 (-0.9 to +0.4) for the second infusion and -0.3 mg ml-1 (-0.6 to +0.2) for third and fourth infusions. CONCLUSION There has been a moderate improvement in the variation in acetylcysteine dose administered by infusion. Further work is required to understand the continuing variation and consideration should be given to simplification of acetylcysteine regimes to decrease the risk of administration errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- George P Bailey
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's Health Partners, London, UK.,Emergency Department, St. Mary's Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - David M Wood
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's Health Partners, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - John R H Archer
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's Health Partners, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Edmund Rab
- Toxicology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Robert J Flanagan
- Toxicology, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK.,Toxicology Unit, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Paul I Dargan
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's Health Partners, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
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Bailey GP, Najafi J, Elamin MEMO, Waring WS, Thomas SHL, Archer JRH, Wood DM, Dargan PI. Delays during the administration of acetylcysteine for the treatment of paracetamol overdose. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2016; 82:1358-1363. [PMID: 27412926 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The licensed intravenous acetylcysteine regimen for treating paracetamol overdose in most countries uses three separate infusions over 21 h. This complex regimen, requiring different infusion concentrations and rates, has been associated with administration errors. The aim of the present study was to assess the extent of administration delays occurring during this acetylcysteine regimen. METHOD A 6-month retrospective observational study was conducted at three English teaching hospitals with clinical toxicology services from October 2014. Patients aged 16 years and over, treated with intravenous acetylcysteine for paracetamol overdose, were included. The start times for infusions were recorded and the delays compared with the prescribed infusion times were calculated. Anaphylactoid reactions, intravenous cannula problems, overdose intent and smoking status were recorded to assess their contribution to delays. RESULTS From 263 cases identified, 198 met the study inclusion criteria. The median time between the start of infusions 1 and 3 was delayed from the intended 5 h by a median (interquartile range) of 90 (50-163) min, with 135 (68%) cases delayed by more than 1 h. Significantly longer delays were observed in patients with anaphylactoid reactions [median delay 267 (217-413) min, n = 8] and accidental/supratherapeutic overdose [median delay 170 (95-260) min, n = 29]. There were no significant differences between smokers and nonsmokers, or for patients with intravenous cannula problems. CONCLUSION Long delays were identified during the three-infusion acetylcysteine regimen for the treatment of paracetamol overdose. These were of clinical significance and could lead to periods of subtherapeutic plasma acetylcysteine concentrations and potentially avoidable hepatotoxicity, as well as delaying hospital discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- George P Bailey
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's Health Partners, London, UK.,Emergency Department, St Mary's Hospital, Imperial College NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Javad Najafi
- Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | - Simon H L Thomas
- Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Medical Toxicology Centre, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John R H Archer
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's Health Partners, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - David M Wood
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's Health Partners, London, UK.,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paul I Dargan
- Clinical Toxicology, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's Health Partners, London, UK. .,Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK.
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