Snip
>
> There are still some 200 deaths p.a. from paracetamol
> either alone or with alcohol in England and Wales.
> Mortality in patients with paracetamol-induced liver
> failure referred to liver units has decreased from ca. 45
> % to ca. 20 % in the last few years hence morbidity has
> increased dramatically. Yet there is a safe, effective
> antidote if it is given in time. Against such a background
> is not extreme caution inevitable?
>
>
Snip
>
> --
> Bob.Flanagan
> Medical Toxicology Unit
>
I couldn't agree more with Bob Flanagans' advice. There is little more
dispiriting than investigating a fatal paracetamol overdose where the
patient has been brought promptly to hospital and yet has not been treated.
And such deaths do still occur. Let's not make any such the fault of the
laboratory. The advice I give my on call staff is never ever argue about a
request for paracetamol assay and be proactive about suggesting it if the
doc hasn't requested it.
Robert Forrest
Professor of Forensic Toxicology
University Dept of Forensic Pathology
Medico-legal Centre
Watery Street
SHEFFIELD
S3 7ES
0114 2738721
Fax 0114 279 8942
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