Abstract
To the Editor:
How or why is it that Paterson et al. (1) can write in Critical Care Medicine on the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), indicating it “may be useful in blunting the inflammatory response to sepsis,” without citing Molnar et al. (2), who described a negative clinical trial? The trial by Molnar et al. (2) was a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 86 patients. In fact, Molnar et al. (2) stated “the initiation of NAC treatment 24 hrs after hospital admission may potentially be harmful.” Pinsky (3), in an accompanying editorial to Paterson et al. (1), states, “still, this report places NAC firmly in the area of potential clinical treatment.” He, also, does not cite Molnar et al (2). When will we learn?
How or why is it that Paterson et al. (1) can write in Critical Care Medicine on the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), indicating it “may be useful in blunting the inflammatory response to sepsis,” without citing Molnar et al. (2), who described a negative clinical trial? The trial by Molnar et al. (2) was a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 86 patients. In fact, Molnar et al. (2) stated “the initiation of NAC treatment 24 hrs after hospital admission may potentially be harmful.” Pinsky (3), in an accompanying editorial to Paterson et al. (1), states, “still, this report places NAC firmly in the area of potential clinical treatment.” He, also, does not cite Molnar et al (2). When will we learn?
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | Critical Care Medicine |
| Volume | 32 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Jan 2004 |