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Updated: May 2, 2026

Generation of a Rat Model of Acute Liver Failure by Combining 70% Partial Hepatectomy and Acetaminophen
Published on: November 27, 2019
Concealed paracetamol overdose treated as HELLP syndrome in the presence of postpartum liver dysfunction
A T Mills1, M E Davidson1, P Young1
1Department of Anaesthetics, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Derriford, Plymouth, Devon, UK.
Abstract:
Paracetamol is the most frequently used analgesic during pregnancy and the most common drug involved in suicidal overdose in the UK. Manifestation of toxicity classically occurs over four phases with clinical and laboratory features resembling HELLP (haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome. We report a case that was erroneously managed as HELLP syndrome before a paracetamol overdose was diagnosed. This case highlights current practice in managing paracetamol overdose and focuses on the importance of addressing mental health issues to mitigate the risk of self-harm in pregnancy.
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