Acetaminophen-induced Hypotension in Sepsis

Background Acetaminophen-induced hypotension has been reported in critically ill patients; however, it remains unclear whether mannitol, present as a stabilizing compound in acetaminophen formulations, affects hemodynamic changes. The objectives of this study were to clarify the direct effect of acetaminophen on blood pressure by comparing blood pressure changes after acetaminophen and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) administration, both containing mannitol, in patients with sepsis and understand the risk factors for reduced blood pressure following acetaminophen administration. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study. Adult patients who were diagnosed with sepsis at Nippon Medical School Hospital, and who were undergoing continuous arterial blood pressure measurement and received intravenous acetaminophen or IVIG, were included. Results Overall, 185 patients were included, with 92 patients in the IVIG group and 93 in the acetaminophen group. The incidence of hypotension was 36.9% in the IVIG group (34 of 92 patients) and 58.0% in the acetaminophen group (54 of 93 patients) (OR = 8.26, p = 0.004). In a propensity score-matched cohort, 80 matched patients were selected. The incidence of hypotension was 37.5% in the IVIG group (15 of 40 patients) and 67.5% in the acetaminophen group (27 of 40 patients) (OR = 7.21, p = 0.007). Conclusions Acetaminophen induced substantially greater hypotension than IVIG in patients with sepsis, with both containing mannitol. Further studies are needed to clarify the effects on hemodynamics of mannitol contained in acetaminophen formulations.