RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Paracetamol-associated acute liver failure in Australian and New Zealand children: high rate of medication errors
JF Archives of Disease in Childhood
JO Arch Dis Child
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
SP 77
OP 80
DO 10.1136/archdischild-2013-304902
VO 100
IS 1
A1 J Rajanayagam
A1 J R Bishop
A1 P J Lewindon
A1 Helen M Evans
YR 2015
UL http://adc.bmj.com/content/100/1/77.abstract
AB Background In children, paracetamol overdose due to deliberate self-poisoning, accidental exposure or medication errors can lead to paediatric acute liver failure and death. In Australia and New Zealand, the nature of ingestion and outcomes of paracetamol-associated paediatric acute liver failure have not been described.Objective To describe the nature and outcomes of paracetamol-associated paediatric acute liver failure.Design Retrospective analysis of paracetamol-associated paediatric acute liver failure cases presenting 2002–2012.Setting New Zealand and Queensland Paediatric Liver Transplant Services.Results 14 of 54 cases of paediatric acute liver failure were attributed to paracetamol, the majority were secondary to medication errors. 12 of the 14 children were under the age of 5 years. Seven children received doses in excess of 120 mg/kg/day. Many of the other children received either a double dose, too frequent administration, coadministration of other medicines containing paracetamol or regular paracetamol for up to 24 days. Three children underwent transplant. One of these and one other child died.Conclusions In Australia and New Zealand, paracetamol overdose secondary to medication errors is the leading cause of paediatric acute liver failure. A review of regional safety practices surrounding paracetamol use in children is indicated.