Multiple toxicity from 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (“ecstasy”) - 28/08/11
Abstract |
There have been no published case series illustrating “ecstasy” (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA]) toxicity in a group of patients who have ingested ecstasy in the same environment. We report a series of 7 patients who ingested ecstasy in a nightclub and presented with varying degrees of MDMA toxicity. Three patients presented with features of severe MDMA toxicity. One died within an hour of hospital admission, another died 4 days later, after developing fulminant hepatic failure, and the third recovered after 12 days in intensive care. MDMA was identified in the serum of all 7 patients. High serum MDMA concentrations correlated with severe clinical and biochemical features including coma, hyperpyrexia, cardiovascular compromise, acidosis, and hyperkalaemia. “Poisoned ecstasy” was widely reported by the media as being responsible for the adverse effects observed. This report highlights a relationship between serum concentrations and toxic effects of MDMA, and the ongoing need to educate the public about the dangers of this substance. (Am J Emerg Med 2003;21:121-124. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.)
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Toxicity, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ecstasy, case series, serum concentration, hyperpyrexia
Plan
| Address reprint requests to Shaun Greene, Toxicology Registrar, National Poisons Information Service (London), Medical Toxicology Unit, Avonley Road, New Cross, London, United Kingdom, SE14 5ER. E-mail: shaun.greene@gstt.sthames.nhs.uk |
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Vol 21 - N° 2
P. 121-124 - mars 2003 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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