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Updated: Aug 29, 2026

Generation of a Rat Model of Acute Liver Failure by Combining 70% Partial Hepatectomy and Acetaminophen
Published on: November 27, 2019
Acetylcysteine treatment for non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure
Grant E Sklar1, Malar Subramaniam
1Department of Pharmacy, National University of Department of Pharmacy, and National University Hospital, Singapore. phages@nus.edu.sg
Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous acetylcysteine in the treatment of non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure (ALF).
Data Sources:
A search of MEDLINE (1966-March 2003), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970-2003), and Cochrane Library (2003, issue 3) databases was conducted, using the search terms acetylcysteine, non-acetaminophen-induced hepatic failure, liver failure, intravenous, and treatment.
Data Synthesis:
All of the studies found were small and do not provide conclusive evidence that acetylcysteine benefits this subgroup of patients. Microvascular regional benefits were seen, but clinical outcomes have not been studied.
Conclusions:
Intravenous acetylcysteine should not be used routinely for treatment of non-acetaminophen-induced ALF. Further large-scale studies are needed to evaluate clinical outcomes.
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