1. N-acetylcysteine for the treatment of clove oil-induced fulminant hepatic failure
- Author
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Eisen, Jeffrey S., Koren, Gideon, Juurlink, David N., and Ng, Vicky L.
- Subjects
Liver failure -- Causes of ,Liver failure -- Care and treatment ,Clove oil -- Risk factors ,Acetylcysteine -- Health aspects ,Environmental issues ,Health ,Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries - Abstract
We present a 3-month-old female who developed fulminant hepatic failure after ingesting less than 8 mL of clove oil. Initial treatment involved gastrointestinal decontamination, supportive measures, and admission to hospital. She subsequently developed fulminant hepatic failure and was treated with intravenous N-acetylcysteine (N-AC) according to a protocol used for acetaminophen poisoning. Over the next 72h her liver synthetic function and clinical status improved, and she made a complete recovery. Previous reported cases of clove oil toxicity and the potential role of N-AC therapy are reviewed. Key Words: Eugenol; Acetylcysteine; Poisoning; Liver failure., INTRODUCTION Clove oil is one of many essential oils known to be potentially toxic to humans. It is ubiquitous in foods and pharmaceutical products, and its active component eugenol is [...]
- Published
- 2004