Use of acetylcysteine for non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure
Journal Title: Annals of Hepatology - Year 2013, Vol 12, Issue 1
Abstract
The purpose of this review was to evaluate the effectiveness of acetylcysteine in the treatment of acute liver failure not related to acetaminophen. A search of MEDLINE April 2003 through May 2012 using the Pub Med database was conducted using the keywords acetylcysteine and non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure or acetylcysteine and liver failure. All human case reports, case series, and research articles that discussed the use of acetylcysteine for non-acetaminophen induced liver failure were evaluated. A total of 263 articles were identified during this broad search with 11 articles included for review in this article; eight case reports, two retrospective trials, and one prospective, randomized, double-blind multicenter study. In conclusion, the data suggest marginal benefit of IV acetylcysteine in NAI-ALF with coma grades I-II; however, the routine use of acetylcysteine cannot be recommended. It may be considered in non-transplant centers while awaiting referral or when transplantation is not an option. Further studies are necessary to determine optimal dosing, duration, and criteria for patient selection.
Authors and Affiliations
Ibrahim Sales, Amy Dzierba, Pamela Smithburger, Deanna Rowe, Sandra Kane-Gill
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP78225
- DOI -
- Views 122
- Downloads 0
Fibrin-mediated integrin signaling plays a critical role in hepatic regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice
Background. The regenerative capacity of the liver is critical for proper responses to injury. Fibrin extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition is a common response to insult and contributes to inflammatory liver injury. Ho...
Anti-cancer effects of blue-green alga Spirulina platensis, a natural source of bilirubin-like tetrapyrrolic compounds
Spirulina platensis is a blue-green alga used as a dietary supplement because of its hypocholesterolemic properties. Among other bioactive substances, it is also rich in tetrapyrrolic compounds closely related to bilirub...
Monozygotic twins with NASH cirrhosis: cumulative effect of multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms?
Multiple genetic and environmental factors interact to determine an individual’s predisposition to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its phenotypic characteristics. Association studies have found a number of alleles...
The nuclear receptor FXR, but not LXR, up-regulates bile acid transporter expression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Background. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease. Patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have increased plasmatic and hepatic concentrations of bile acid...
Hemodynamic effect of carvedilol vs. propranolol in cirrhotic patients: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Background. Carvedilol appears to be more effective than propranolol in the treatment of portal hypertension in cirrhotic patients. Aim. To compare the effects of carvedilol vs. propranolol on systemic and splanchnic hae...