Intravenous acetylcysteine in paracetamol induced fulminant hepatic failure: a prospective controlled trial

To see whether intravenous acetylcysteine would improve outcome in patients with fulminant hepatic failure after paracetamol overdose.

A prospective randomised controlled study.

The Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London.

50 consecutive patients (21 male) aged 16-60 with fulminant hepatic failure after paracetamol overdose who had not previously received acetylcysteine.

Conventional intensive liver care plus either acetylcysteine (25 patients) in the same dose regimen as used early after a paracetamol overdose, except that the infusion was continued until recovery from encephalopathy or death, or an equivalent volume of 5% dextrose (25 patients).

Survival; incidence of cerebral oedema, renal failure, and hypotension requiring inotropic support; liver function as assessed by prolongation of the prothrombin time; and degree of encephalopathy.

The rate of survival was significantly higher in the acetylcysteine treated group than in the controls (48% (12/25 patients) v 20% (5/25); p = 0.037, 95% confidence interval for difference in proportions surviving 3% to 53%). Acetylcysteine treated patients had a lower incidence of cerebral oedema (40% (10/25) v 68% (17/25); p = 0.047, 95% confidence interval for difference in incidence 2% to 54%), and fewer developed hypotension requiring inotropic support (48% (12/25) v 80% (20/25); p = 0.018, 95% confidence interval 7% to 57%). Rates of deterioration and recovery of liver function, however, were similar in the two groups. No adverse reactions to acetylcysteine were seen.

Acetylcysteine is safe and effective in fulminant hepatic failure after paracetamol overdose.