Intentional overdose patients are notorious for giving inaccurate histories. “I took 14 tablets of this and 8 capsules of that. No, wait. It was 3 tablets of this and a handful of capsules of that… This happened about 2 hours ago. Actually, I think it was last night.” Round and round the merry-go-round we go.
- How should we risk-assess whether acetaminophen is involved?
- If the patient provides no history of acetaminophen ingestion, do we need to order a level?
Acetaminophen poisoning remains the leading cause of liver failure in the United States. Early recognition and treatment of patients are essential to minimize morbidity and mortality. Goldfrank’s Toxicologic Emergencies textbook tells us that:
“The dose history should be used in the assessment of risk only if there is reliable corroboration or direct evidence of validity. Although the amount ingested by history roughly correlates with risk of toxicity and an acetaminophen concentration over the treatment line, historical information is NOT sufficiently reliable in all patients to exclude significant ingestion, particularly in patients with self-harm or drug abuse.” 1,2
Wait! You mean my suicidal patient may not provide an accurate history of what they took, how much, and when? Unfortunately, yes.
Utility of Universal Acetaminophen Screening
- Sporer et al, retrospectively reviewed 1,820 ED patients who presented with a history of suicidal ingestion or an altered mental status with a strong suspicion of ingestion. They found 3% of patients had measurable acetaminophen levels, and 0.3% had potentially toxic levels not suggested by history. Universal screening in this cohort identified 1 potentially toxic acetaminophen level for every 333 patients screened. 3
- Lucanie et al, retrospectively reviewed 320 poison center records for suicidal ingestions without a history of acetaminophen exposure. They found 7.2% of patients had measurable acetaminophen levels, and 2.2% had potentially toxic levels not suggested by history. Universal screening in this cohort identified 1 potentially toxic acetaminophen level for every 45 patients screened. 4
- Ashbourne et al, prospectively studied 365 ED patients with intentional drug ingestion and no history of acetaminophen. They found 1.9% of patients had measurable acetaminophen levels, and 0.2% had potentially toxic levels not suggested by history. Universal screening in this cohort identified 1 potentially toxic acetaminophen level for every 365 patients screened. 5
Patients with suicidal/intentional ingestions who do not confirm an ingestion of acetaminophen MAY have a toxic level in 0.2-2.2% cases. While none of the studies had any patients develop liver failure and few patients were treated with acetylcysteine, that was not the primary endpoint for any of them.
On the Flip Side…
- Dargan et al, retrospectively reviewed 411 ED patients in the UK. All patients with acetaminophen levels were included. Of 136 patients able to provide a history who denied acetaminophen ingestion, not one had a measurable level. Of note, the authors did find that 3.4% of patients presenting after collapse had elevated acetaminophen levels. They concluded that acetaminophen levels are not recommended universally in patients able to provide a history, but should be obtained in those presenting after collapse. Of note, this cohort included non-suicidal patients who may be more likely to provide an accurate history. 6
- An Israeli study by Bentur et al, evaluated 154 intentional drug overdose patients admitted to an ED. They found that denial of both acetaminophen and multidrug ingestions after a thorough history taking can be considered reliable for acetaminophen ingestion. They concluded that in facilities with limited resources, these patients may not require routine acetaminophen screening. 7
What Does it All Mean?
- When the history suggests possible risk or the patient is altered/unresponsive, further assessment using determination of acetaminophen levels should be performed.
- Some data does not seem to support universal screening for every overdose patient if they can provide a history. However, from a healthcare cost and liability standpoint, preventing one case of liver failure seems worth it.
- My practice, and my institution’s, is to send acetaminophen levels on all intentional overdose patients.
Bryan D. Hayes, PharmD, DABAT, FAACT, FASHP
Creator and Lead Editor, Capsules and EM Pharm Pearls Series
Attending Pharmacist, EM and Toxicology, MGH
Associate Professor of EM, Division of Medical Toxicology, Harvard Medical School
@PharmERToxGuy
