An integrated care pathway improves the management of paracetamol poisoning.

Background: Paracetamol poisoning remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Clinical care of paracetamol poisoning depends on a range of patient variables and typically involves both medical and nursing care. An integrated care pathway (ICP) is a multidisciplinary management plan that incorporates guidelines and best practice to enhance care and documentation for a specific patient group.

Lower incidence of anaphylactoid reactions to N-acetylcysteine in patients with high acetaminophen concentrations after overdose.

Background: Mechanisms responsible for anaphylactoid reactions to N-acetylcysteine (NAC) are poorly understood, and acetaminophen itself may play an important role. The present study examined the relationship between serum acetaminophen concentrations and risk of anaphylactoid reactions.

Methods: Prospective study of adverse reactions to NAC administered according to standardized clinical protocols in patients who present to hospital after acute acetaminophen overdose.