Acute liver failure in paracetamol overdose: management, transplantation and best practice

Abstract

In the United Kingdom the most common drug taken in overdose is paracetamol, which is recognised as a major cause of acute liver failure. However death rates from acute liver failure have fallen due to the rapid availability and accessibility of the antidote, acetylcysteine or N-acetylcysteine otherwise known as NAC. In this article the authors will critically evaluate the current literature surrounding the assessment and management of patients presenting with paracetamol overdose in order to improve their own clinical practise and promote best practice within their clinical team. This will include discussion of presentation, risk factors, treatment, complications and referral to specialist centres for transplant.