RESUMEN
We performed a prospective study to determine the incidence of missed, potentially toxic acetaminophen poisoning in all patients with any type of intentional drug ingestion presenting to two large, county hospital emergency departments. Of 486 patients with drug ingestion seen during a five-month period, 114 (23.5%) were suspected of having ingested acetaminophen. Of these, 71 (62.3%) had insignificant acetaminophen levels (false-positive history). Of the 365 patients who were not suspected of having acetaminophen ingestion, seven patients (1.9%) were found to have elevated levels on rapid screening (false-negative history). Of these, only one patient had a potentially hepatotoxic level. We conclude that the incidence of missed, potentially serious acetaminophen overdose is very low in our study population.
Asunto(s)
Acetaminofén/sangre , Detección de Abuso de Sustancias/métodos , Urgencias Médicas , Reacciones Falso Negativas , Reacciones Falso Positivas , Humanos , Registros Médicos , Estudios Prospectivos , Encuestas y CuestionariosRESUMEN
An experiment was conducted to determine if any changes resulted in the proportion of hepatic messenger RNA following treatment with ethionine, a hepatocarcinogen. The relative specific activity of the total RNA isolated from nontumor-like tissues was increased in Sprague-Dawley rats fed ethionine. However, the percentage of total RNA that was message was found to be decreased in the ethionine-treated rats.