@article{ref1,
title="Paracetamol overdosage in Jerusalem",
journal="Israel journal of medical sciences",
year="1985",
author="Levy, M. and Oren, R.",
volume="21",
number="1",
pages="36-39",
abstract="Forty-nine subjects were identified in the years 1978-83 in four major hospitals in Jerusalem as suspected of paracetamol overdosage. The apparent yearly incidence of paracetamol overdosage in the Jewish population in Jerusalem increased from 0.6/100,000 in 1978 to 4.5/100,000 in 1983. Two subgroups were identified: 13 children, the majority aged 2 to 4 years; and 36 young adults less than 39 years old, mostly in the 18- to 21-year age-group. In children, overdosage was caused by accident, in adults by attempted suicide. Morbidity was minimal, and transient liver function disturbances were found in only two subjects. Toxic levels were found in 2 of the 20 cases tested for paracetamol plasma concentration. Nevertheless, 31 subjects (63%) were hospitalized, and 29 of these were treated with N-acetylcysteine. The availability of the plasma paracetamol assay for diagnosis and of N-acetylcysteine as a specific antidote makes it possible to deal more effectively with the problem of paracetamol overdosage as a community health hazard.<p /><p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0021-2180",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}