@article{ref1,
title="N-acetylcysteine as an antidote for paracetamol poisoning: a multicenter study",
journal="Emergencias",
year="2022",
author="Codinach-Martín, María and Ortega-Pérez, Juan and Gispert-Ametller, Maria Àngels and Salgado-García, Emilio and Rodríguez-Mariblanca, Amelia and Nogué-Xarau, Santiago and Puiguriguer-Ferrando, Jordi",
volume="34",
number="3",
pages="190-195",
abstract="OBJECTIVES: To identify the most common problems related to use of N-acetylcysteine to reverse the toxic effects of paracetamol poisoning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective descriptive observational study of clinical records for patients treated for paracetamol poisoning in 4 emergency departments during 3 years (2017-2019). We analyzed epidemiologic, clinical, and care variables, especially those related to the suitability and safety of using N-acetylcysteine as an antidote. <br><br>RESULTS: We included 332 cases of poisoning of 260 patients (78%) were over the age of 16 years, and 242 (73%) were female. Two hundred sixty-eight poisonings (81%) were the result of voluntary intake. The elimination half-life was determined in 20 cases (6%). Gastrointestinal decontamination was incorrectly prescribed on 39 occasions (28%). Treatment with the antidote was begun in 195 cases (58.7%). No serious clinical signs or symptoms were present in 282 cases (85%). The correlation of paracetamol levels in urine was stronger with the amount of drug ingested voluntarily (R2 = 0.23) than with accidental intake (R2 = 0.007). Predefined severity criteria were significantly related to reported dose ingested per body weight (P =.001) and the interval between intake and first medical assistance (P =.008). <br><br>CONCLUSION: Even though clear protocols are available to guide the use of antidote treatment in cases of paracetamol poisoning, variability in fundamental aspects of management is excessive.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1137-6821",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}