Effect of N-Acetylcystein in ICU patients with acute lung injury requiring mechanical ventilation

• Main Authors: Mojtahed Zadeh, Moharari, Saberi, Khajavi, Najafi
• Format: Article
• Language: fas
• Published: Tehran University of Medical Sciences 2008-08-01
• Series: Tehran University Medical Journal
• Subjects: N-Acetylcystein; ALI/ ARDS; mechanical ventilation; antioxidant
• Online Access: http://journals.tums.ac.ir/PdfMed.aspx?pdf_med=/upload_files/pdf/10432.pdf&manuscript_id=10432

"n Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a pulmonary pathology occuring in context of infection, trauma, burn, and sepsis. Tissue injury and release of chemical mediators result in tissue damage and organ failure especially respiratory failure. Many therapeutic modalities including vitamin E, allopurinol, and N-acetylcystein (NAC) have been used to decrease levels of inflammatory factors and to control and improve signs and symptoms. The antioxidant feature of NAC induces synthesis of glutathione- the scavenger of free radicals- and increase respiratory drive and PaO2. In time diagnosis of ALI, prompt institution of treatment will reduce mortality and morbidity in critical illness."n"nMethods: This open label analytical clinical trial included a total of 50 patients admitted in the ICU ward of Sina University Hospital. They were randomly divided into two groups of 25, the case group received NAC 150mg/kg in 100ml Normal saline within 20 minutes then 50mg/kg in 100ml Normal saline within 4 hr after that 50mg/kg daily for three days. The controls received only normal saline. Oxygenation and ventilation parameters were studied In both groups."n"nResults: There were no significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic indices, mean SpO2, ABG values, mortality rates, and clearing of chest x-rays. The best outcome was seen in young traumatic patients."n"nConclusion: In this relatively small group of patients presenting with an established ALI/ ARDS subsequent to a variety of underlying disease, intravenous NAC treatment during first four days neither significantly improved systemic oxygenation nor reduced the need for ventilatory support.