paracetamol ......

[sols]

Paracetamol overdoses need study

http://ninemsn.com.au/

 

Paracetamol poisoning is common in Australasia and not enough is being done to minimise its effects, a new study has found.

 

The survey of emergency departments in Australia and New Zealand found varied responses to cases of Paracetamol overdose, which can cause permanent liver damage or death.

 

The study by two New Zealand doctors was published in the latest issue of the journal of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine.

 

The director of emergency medicine at Austin Health in Victoria, Associate Professor George Braitberg, said the results of the study were worrying.

 

"Paracetamol toxicity is a well-recognised cause of morbidity and mortality and hence one would expect treatment protocols to be uniform," he said in a statement.

 

 

 

Overdoses of Paracetamol were common, he said, and were the most frequent reason for calls to poison control centres.

 

"The Victorian Poison Centre has received an average of 1,000 calls a year for the past two years," he said.

 

Dr Braitberg said the lack of clear guidelines meant it was important an experienced emergency physician or medical toxicologist be involved in treating a Paracetamol overdose.

 

Paracetamol induced liver damage causing people to need liver transplants, so there was a high cost both to the patient's health and the healthcare system, he said.

 

 

 

©AAP 2003