N-Acetylcysteine Use in Non-Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Failure

McPheeters et al., 2016 | Adv Emerg Nurs J | Meta Analysis

Citation

McPheeters Chelsey M, VanArsdale Vanessa M, Weant Kyle A. N-Acetylcysteine Use in Non-Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Failure. Adv Emerg Nurs J. 2016;38(3):183-9. doi:10.1097/TME.0000000000000116

Abstract

This article will review the available evidence related to the management of non-acetaminophen induced acute liver failure with N-acetylcysteine. Randomized controlled trials and a meta-analysis were included in this review. The efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in the treatment of acute liver failure from causes other than acetaminophen toxicity was evaluated. The efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure is limited to specific patient populations. Patients classified as Coma Grade I or II are more likely to benefit from the use of this agent. The use of N-acetylcysteine is associated with improved transplant-free survival, not overall survival, in adults. N-Acetylcysteine does not improve the overall survival of patients with non-acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure but may be beneficial in those patients with Coma Grades I-II. Liver transplantation remains the only definitive therapy in advanced disease.

Key Findings

Liver transplantation remains the only definitive therapy in advanced disease.

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

Field	Value
Population	non
Sample Size	See abstract
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	See abstract

MeSH Terms

Acetylcysteine
Humans
Liver Failure, Acute
Liver Transplantation
Patient Selection
Survival Analysis

Evidence Classification

Level: Meta Analysis
Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Review
Vertical: nac

Provenance

PMID: 27482990
DOI: 10.1097/TME.0000000000000116
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-10 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-10