Neonates have a lower risk of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity than do older children and adults because the enzymes, such as CYP2E1, necessary for the hepatotoxic metabolite to develop are still immature, the researchers noted.
This study was limited in that it involved a strictly defined patient population at a single medical center, so the findings may not be widely generalizable. Moreover, liver function was not monitored in the acetaminophen group, and the study was underpowered to detect a difference in adverse effects, which "limits our ability to determine which treatment was safest," Dr. Ceelie and her colleagues said.
The study was supported by a grant from ZonMw Priority Medicines for Children. The authors reported no potential conflicts of interest.