Changes in Epidemiology of Acetaminophen Overdoses in an Urban County Hospital After 20 Years.

INTRODUCTION

Acetaminophen (APAP) toxicity is the main cause of acute liver failure in the United States. A prior series (1992-1995) identified 71 hospitalized adults with APAP toxicity through the International Statistical Classification of Disease and Related Health Problems, 9th revision (ICD-9) code at Parkland Hospital, Dallas, TX.

METHODS

We used a laboratory database search of serum APAP levels from 2011 to 2015 to identify patients with APAP toxicity in the same hospital.

RESULTS

We identified 140 patients hospitalized for APAP toxicity from 27,143 APAP levels obtained; 35 required Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission, and there were no deaths. APAP toxicity/100,000 admissions was similar between eras.

DISCUSSION: APAP toxicity continues unabated after 20 years but with improved overall outcomes.