N-acetylcysteine and ascorbic acid therapy for acute hepatic injury after hexavalent chromium ingestion

J Clin Pharm Ther. 2020 Feb;45(1):208-210. doi: 10.1111/jcpt.13044. Epub 2019 Oct 3.

Abstract

What is known and objective: Hexavalent (VI) chromium is a powerful oxidant that can produce cellular oxidative stress and multi-organ system dysfunction. The role of antioxidants such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and ascorbic acid in alleviating organ damage in humans remains unclear.

Case description: We present a 47-year-old male who ingested 30 mL of plating solution and developed hepatic injury. He was treated with NAC and ascorbic acid with improvement in hepatic function. However, his clinical conditions and jaundice worsened again after discontinuing these therapies.

What is new and conclusion: Our findings suggest a potential role for antioxidant therapy for acute hexavalent chromium poisoning.

Keywords: N-acetylcysteine; ascorbic acid; hepatic injury; hexavalent chromium poisoning.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcysteine / administration & dosage*
  • Acetylcysteine / pharmacology
  • Antioxidants / administration & dosage
  • Antioxidants / pharmacology
  • Ascorbic Acid / administration & dosage*
  • Ascorbic Acid / pharmacology
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / drug therapy*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology
  • Chromium / poisoning*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antioxidants
  • Chromium
  • chromium hexavalent ion
  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Acetylcysteine