Acute liver failure in an adolescent after intentional ingestion of paracetamol with suicidal ideation: a case report

Resumo

Presently, paracetamol stands as one of the most widely consumed analgesic and anti pyretic medications within society. This prevalence is attributed to its non-prescription status and cost-effectiveness, facilitating widespread accessibility. This report delineates a case of paracetamol poisoning culminating in liver failure, necessitating liver transplan-tation. The subject, a thirteen-year-old with suicidal ideation, ingested 15 tablets of 750 mg. Initial treatment occurred at a Primary Health Care Unit in a municipality in the inte-rior of Rio Grande do Sul, followed by pediatric ICU care at the University Hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande. Subsequently, the patient was transferred and managed at the Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, where a successful transplant ensued. Post--transplant, the patient received tacrolimus (10mg orally twice daily), prednisone (5mg orally twice daily), and Sulfametoxazol + Trimethoprim (400 + 80 mg) thrice weekly for maintenance. This case underscores the pivotal role of prompt intervention, fostering awareness regarding judicious drug utilization, and advocating for more stringent regula-tions pertaining to over-the-counter medication accessibility.