Rumack-Matthew nomogram
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Synonyms and keywords: Rumack-Matthews nomogram, acetaminophen nomogram
Overview
The Rumack-Matthew nomogram is an acetaminophen toxicity nomogram plotting serum concentration of acetaminophen against the time since ingestion in an attempt to prognosticate possible liver toxicity as well as allowing a clinician to decide whether to proceed with N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment or not. It is a logarithmic graph starting not directly from ingestion, but from 4 hours post ingestion after absorption is considered likely to be complete.[1][2]
Historical Perspective
The original line starting at 200 microgram/mL at 4 hours was published in 1975 by Rumack BH. and Matthew H. When the NAC study was begun in 1976, the FDA required a line that was 25% below the original line now called the treatment line. The study line which is now referred to as the treatment line was created starting at 150 microgram/mL at 4 hours and is the usual line used in the United States to determine treatment of acetaminophen overdose. This was published in 1981.
Clinical Use
In hands of skilled clinicians this nomogram allows for timely management of acetaminophen overdose. Generally, a serum plasma concentration (APAP) of 140-150 microgram/mL (or milligrams/L) at 4 hours post ingestion, indicates the need for NAC treatment. This nomogram is not used alone if the patient has altered mental status or if the history is not reliable. Rather, a second level should be drawn and plotted to see if the slope of the line remains at or above the nomogram. A formal half life may also be determined. Measure at time (t=0) upon admission of the patient to the emergency room, and a blood value at time (t=4 hrs) should be obtained and half-life calculated. If the half-life is more than 4 hours, then treatment is necessary to prevent hepatotoxicity and liver failure.[1][2][3][4]
Shown below is an image depicting the Rumack-Matthew nomogram.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Rumack BH, Peterson RC, Koch GG, Amara IA (1981). "Acetaminophen overdose. 662 cases with evaluation of oral acetylcysteine treatment". Arch Intern Med. 141 (3 Spec No): 380–5. PMID 7469629.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Rumack BH (2002). "Acetaminophen hepatotoxicity: the first 35 years". J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 40 (1): 3–20. PMID 11990202.
- ↑ James LP, Capparelli EV, Simpson PM, Letzig L, Roberts D, Hinson JA; et al. (2008). "Acetaminophen-associated hepatic injury: evaluation of acetaminophen protein adducts in children and adolescents with acetaminophen overdose". Clin Pharmacol Ther. 84 (6): 684–90. doi:10.1038/clpt.2008.190. PMC 2929246. PMID 18923390.
- ↑ Rumack BH, Matthew H (1975). "Acetaminophen poisoning and toxicity". Pediatrics. 55 (6): 871–6. PMID 1134886.