Intravenous N-acetylcysteine improves transplant-free survival in early stage non-acetaminophen acute liver failure.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antidote for acetaminophen poisoning, might benefit patients with non-acetaminophen-related acute liver failure.

Methods

In a prospective, double-blind trial, acute liver failure patients without clinical or historical evidence of acetaminophen overdose were stratified by site and coma grade and assigned randomly to groups that were given NAC or placebo (dextrose) infusion for 72 hours. The primary outcome was overall survival at 3 weeks. Secondary outcomes included transplant-free survival and rate of transplantation.

Results

A total of 173 patients received NAC (n = 81) or placebo (n = 92). Overall survival at 3 weeks was 70% for patients given NAC and 66% for patients given placebo (1-sided P = .283). Transplant-free sur

SUBMITTER: Lee WM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3189485 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature