[Hepatotoxicity caused by therapeutic doses of paracetamol in alcoholics. Report of 2 cases of fatal hepatitis in cirrhosis].
Paracetamol is a widely used medication as it is an effective analgesic and antipyretic. Because of the absence of gastro-intestinal side effects, it has been used as the analgesic of choice for alcoholic patients. Hepatotoxicity is dose-related and generally occurs in patients who absorb more than 125 mg/kg/j. However, cases of severe liver damage have been reported after absorption of therapeutic doses of paracetamol in alcoholics. We report 2 cases with a fatal outcome and discuss the mechanisms of toxicity, the prognostic factors and treatment of such event.
Mofredj
A
A
Service de Réanimation, Centre Hospitalier Laennec, Creil.
Cadranel
J F
JF
Darchy
B
B
Barbare
J C
JC
Cazier
A
A
Pras
V
V
Biour
M
M
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications*; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000009:adverse effects*; D056486:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000082:Acetaminophen