Abstract
BackgroundThe long-term mortality of acetaminophen (APAP) poisoning has not yet been well studied; hence, we conducted this study to gain understanding of this issue.MethodsWe conducted a nationwide population-based cohort study by identifying 3235 participants with APAP poisoning and 9705 participants without APAP poisoning in Taiwan between 2003 and 2012 in the Nationwide Poisoning Database and Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000. Participants with APAP poisoning and control subjects were compared for the risk of all-cause mortality by follow-up until 2013.ResultsTwo hundred forty-one participants with APAP poisoning (7.5%) and ninety-four control subjects (1.0%) died during the follow-up. Participants with APAP poisoning had a higher risk of all-cause mortality than the control subjects (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 8.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.3–10.2), especially in the subgroup aged 20 years and younger (IRR, 27.3; 95% CI, 3.5–215.5) and in the first 12 months after poisoning (IRR, 16.0; 95% CI, 9.9–25.7). The increased risk of all-cause mortality was found even up to 2 years after the index poisoning.ConclusionAPAP poisoning was associated with increased long-term mortality. Early referral for intensive aftercare and associated interventions are suggested; however, further studies of the method are needed for clarification.
Highlights
The long-term mortality of acetaminophen (APAP) poisoning has not yet been well studied; we conducted this study to gain understanding of this issue
Participants with APAP poisoning had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD), liver disease, renal disease, mental disorders, and cancer than the control subjects (Table 1)
In the subgroup aged 20 years or younger, participants with APAP poisoning had a higher risk of all-cause mortality than control subjects (IRR, 27.3; 95% CI, 3.5–215.5), followed by those aged 21– 39 years, 40–64 years, and 65 years or older
Summary
The long-term mortality of acetaminophen (APAP) poisoning has not yet been well studied; we conducted this study to gain understanding of this issue. Acetaminophen (APAP) is one of the most commonly used antipyretics and analgesics. It can be bought in either pharmacy or nonpharmacy outlets or prescribed by physicians. APAP is effective and safe when used at recommended doses, less than a daily maximum of dose 4 g/day in an adult; its overdose can result in toxicity [1]. Some of the negative outcomes of APAP overdose are hepatotoxicity, acute liver failure, and even death [2]. In spite of available antidote treatment with N-acetylcysteine, the morbidity and mortality of APAP poisoning are still high.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
