Evaluation of the impact of an acute single paracetamol overdose on renal functions and serum electrolytes

Abstract

Background: Paracetamol overdose is a common cause of drug-induced acute liver injury worldwide. The easy availability of the drug makes it a common method of suicide especially among young adults. Aim of the work: The study aims to assess the impact of an overdose ingestion of paracetamol over renal functions and electrolytes in patients without a pre-existing renal disease who were admitted in the Poison Control Center of Minia University Hospital after an acute single paracetamol overdose. Methods: The study included patients hospitalized at the Poison Control Center from the start of February 2022 to the end of January 2023. Patients were classified into mild, moderate and severe groups depending on paracetamol plasma level 4-hrs post ingestion. Sociodemographic data were collected from all the patients including age, gender, residence and body weight. Blood samples were drawn from each patient for laboratory investigations on admission and follow up. Results: The patient's age ranged from 18-47 yrs, mostly came from cities. with a female predominance. Statistically significant differences were recorded among groups as regarding the ingested dose of the drug, paracetamol plasma levels and liver transaminases (ALT and AST) especially from 2nd and 3rd days of admission. Renal function tests and serum electrolytes recorded statistically insignificant changes within groups either on admission or during the follow up. All patients improved and discharged after treatment. Conclusion: Despite toxic dose ingestion of paracetamol renal affection or electrolyte imbalance may not occur.