Human & experimental toxicology
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The concentration of glutathione S-transferase B1 (GST B1) subunits was measured in sequential plasma samples taken at frequent intervals for 48 h from ten patients with severe paracetamol poisoning who were treated with intravenous N-acetylcysteine. No significant increase in plasma GST B1 concentration was observed over the study period and with 4 h of starting treatment with N-acetylcysteine there were significant decreases in plasma GST B1 concentrations. None of the patients subsequently developed significant liver damage. At the dose used for the treatment of paracetamol poisoning, N-acetylcysteine has no hepatotoxic effects.
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The National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC) in Sri Lanka was established in January 1988. It received 353 enquiries in the first year of which 37% concerned pesticide poisoning. ⋯ Follow-up of enquiries showed 31 (9%) deaths. Collaboration with developed countries helped in the formation of the NPIC, fulfilling a long felt need among doctors in the island.