Delayed and prolonged elevated serum paracetamol level after an overdose - possible causes and implications

Crit Care Resusc. 2011 Dec;13(4):275-7.

Abstract

We report the case of a 29-year-old man who ingested about 50 g of standard-preparation paracetamol plus other medications. The serum paracetamol level remained low in the first 24 hours. It peaked 54 hours after ingestion and remained high for 5 days. An N-acetylcysteine (NAC) infusion was started at admission, but was ceased 36 hours later as the clinical and laboratory signs were reassuring. On Day 3, the patient's liver function deteriorated and a rising serum paracetamol level was noted; hence, an NAC infusion was reinitiated. Despite this, the patient developed fulminant hepatic failure. This case underlines the importance of monitoring paracetamol levels and liver function for at least 72 hours after a suspected large overdose of paracetamol before discontinuing NAC infusion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / blood*
  • Acetaminophen / poisoning*
  • Acetylcysteine / administration & dosage*
  • Adult
  • Drug Overdose
  • Humans
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Male
  • Nomograms
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Acetaminophen
  • Acetylcysteine