N-acetylcysteine: Not just for parcetamol induced liver disease?
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Report By: Dr S Chaudhry - SHO Medicine
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Institution: Manchester Royal Infirmary
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Date Submitted: 21st March 2006
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Last Modified: 25th March 2006
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Status:
Blue (submitted but not checked)
Three Part Question
In [patients with acute hepatic failure not caused by paracetamol] does [N-acetylcysteine] [improve morbidity or mortality]Clinical Scenario
A pleasant elderly gentleman presents to the emergency department following a recent return from the Indian subcontinent. He is nauseated, feels tired and is clearly jaundiced. His blood tests confirm a hepatitis, and further tests confirm that this is secondary to a viral hepatitis infection. There is NO evidence of paracetamol overdose. A few hours later, you are called to see him as he has become increasingly confused. He is encephalopathic, and repeat bloods show he is developing a coagulopathy. You diagnose acute liver failure, and institute supportive measures. Your colleague states that you should start him on N-acetylcysteine (Parvolex), but you tell him not to be silly, as there is no paracetamol involved. However, he insists that N-acetylcysteine will still be beneficial. You wonder if there is any evidence behind his words.