Liver transplantation after paracetamol overdose.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of liver transplantation after paracetamol overdose.


METHODS
Prospective study of consecutive candidates for transplantation and performance of transplantation over 18 months.


METHODS
Liver unit, King's College Hospital, London.


METHODS
Fulfilment of indicators of poor prognosis, selection for transplantation, transplantation, survival.


RESULTS
30 of 37 patients considered to have a reasonable prognosis with intensive medical care survived. Of 14 of 29 patients considered to have a very poor prognosis and registered for urgent liver transplantation, six received liver transplants, four of whom survived, while seven died and one survived without a transplant. Three of 15 patients with poor prognostic indicators but not selected for transplantation survived.


CONCLUSIONS
Liver transplantation will have a definite but limited role in the management of fulminant hepatic failure induced by paracetamol.
O'Grady
J G
JG
Institute of Liver Studies, King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry, London.
Wendon
J
J
Tan
K C
KC
Potter
D
D
Cottam
S
S
Cohen
A T
AT
Gimson
A E
AE
Williams
R
R
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000506:poisoning*; D000328:Adult; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury; D003657:Decision Making; D062787:Drug Overdose; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000503:physiopathology; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000601:surgery; D016031:Liver Transplantation; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D011517:Prothrombin Time; D013997:Time Factors
D000082:Acetaminophen