Doctors at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang on Wednesday successfully saved a patient who was hospitalized with acute liver failure caused by the long-term use of paracetamol. 

The patient was 27-year-old B.T., hailing from central Quang Ngai Province.

T. had been suffering from jaundice, fatigue, poor appetite, and vomiting for 15 days prior to being taken to Hoan My Da Nang Hospital.

Doctors performed diagnostic tests for hepatitis B and C and other hepatitis viruses, all of which came up negative.

Meanwhile, T.’s medical history showed that he had taken two paracetamol tablets every day for two months – about 80 tablets in total – in order to treat back and shoulder pains caused by heavy labor.

Dr. Le Quoc Tuan of the intensive care unit at Hoan My Da Nang Hospital diagnosed T. with severe, acute liver failure as his liver enzymes and bilirubin test results were abnormal and his blood clotting functions had been seriously disturbed.

Doctors treated the patient’s severe, acute liver failure with plasma exchange and supportive treatment.

After eight days of treatment, T.’s health is now stable, his appetite has returned to normal, and his jaundice state has improved.

Dr. Tuan advises people to use paracetamol, which can be easily purchased in Vietnam, in accordance with doctors' prescription.

People with itching, jaundice, poor appetite, and vomiting after taking paracetamol should immediately go to the nearest medical facility for timely treatment.

Dr. Tuan also warned of paracetamol overdose, which can cause liver damage, hepatitis, and even acute liver failure or death if not treated promptly.

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