N-acetylcysteine for the treatment of clove oil-induced fulminant hepatic failure.
We present a 3-month-old female who developed fulminant hepatic failure after ingesting less than 8 mL of clove oil. Initial treatment involved gastrointestinal decontamination, supportive measures, and admission to hospital. She subsequently developed fulminant hepatic failure and was treated with intravenous N-acetylcysteine (N-AC) according to a protocol used for acetaminophen poisoning. Over the next 72 h her liver synthetic function and clinical status improved, and she made a complete recovery. Previous reported cases of clove oil toxicity and the potential role of N-AC therapy are reviewed.
Eisen
Jeffrey S
JS
Department of Emergency Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. jeffeisen@cogeco.ca
Koren
Gideon
G
Juurlink
David N
DN
Ng
Vicky L
VL
D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000931:Antidotes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D045783:Clove Oil / Q000506:poisoning*; D003666:Decontamination; D005260:Female; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D017093:Liver Failure / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000931:Antidotes; D045783:Clove Oil; D016166:Free Radical Scavengers; D000111:Acetylcysteine