Possible Fatal Acetaminophen Intoxication with Atypical Clinical Presentation

• NCJ Number: 246221
• Journal: Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 58 Issue: 5 Dated: September 2013 Pages: 1397-1400
• Author(s): Fabio De-Giorgio M.D.; Maria Lodise M.D.; Marcello Chiarotti M.D.; Ernesto d'Aloja M.D.; Arnaldo Carbone M.D.; Luca Valerio M.D.
• Date Published: September 2013
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Acetaminophen or paracetamol, a commonly used over-the-counter analgesic, is known to elicit severe adverse reactions when taken in overdose, chronically at therapeutic dosage or, sporadically, following single assumptions of a therapeutic dose.

Abstract

Acetaminophen or paracetamol, a commonly used over-the-counter analgesic, is known to elicit severe adverse reactions when taken in overdose, chronically at therapeutic dosage or, sporadically, following single assumptions of a therapeutic dose. Damage patterns including liver damage and, rarely, acute tubular necrosis or a fixed drug exanthema. We present a case of fatal acetaminophen toxicity with postmortem blood concentration 78 ìg/mL and unusual clinical features, including a visually striking and massive epidermolysis and rhabdomyolysis, disseminated intravascular coagulation and myocardial ischemia. This case is compared with the most similar previous reports in terms of organ damage, clinical presentation, and cause of death. We conclude that a number of severe patterns of adverse effects to acetaminophen are emerging that were previously greatly underestimated, thus questioning the adequacy of the clinical spectrum traditionally associated with acetaminophen intoxication and leading to the need to review this spectrum and the associated diagnostic criteria. Abstract published by arrangement with Wiley.