HPLC helps highlight acetaminophen overdosing

High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been used to help identify overexposure to acetaminophen using the biomarker of acetaminophen-cysteine adducts (APAP-CYS).

Writing in BMC Gastroenterology, an open-access periodical covering all aspects of diagnosing, managing and preventing gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary illness, the team from a number of US academic and healthcare institutions explain how APAP-CYS concentrations change following treatment with acetaminophen.

After initial normal doses, HPLC analysis of serum levels show a fall in APAP-CYS concentrations; however, excessive repeated exposure or acute overdosing can cause the reverse effect, with serum levels increasing.

This could allow levels of the adducts to act as indicators for when therapy has progressed beyond the beneficial stage and is putting the patient under the threat of toxicity if it were to be prolonged.

Scientists working on the project included representatives of Denver Health, the University of Colorado, Vanderbilt University, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Michigan State University and the University of Massachusetts.