Citation

Chan P, Chen JH, Lee MH, Deng JF. J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. 1994; 32(2): 147-155.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, Marcel Dekker)

DOI

10.3109/15563659409000444

PMID

8145354

Abstract

Methamphetamine poisoning was confirmed in eight patients admitted to intensive care 1989 through 1992 because of altered mental status and hemodynamic instability. Four patients were male and four were female, ages 20 to 34 years. Five patients were addicts and three were attempted suicides. The most common clinical cardiovascular manifestations were tachycardia and palpitations. Neurological abnormalities included agitation, hallucinations, pupillary dilatation and muscle twitching; profuse sweating was also common. All patients had rhabdomyolysis and four had remarkable elevation of creatinine kinase > 10,000 U/L. Leucocytosis was noted in seven cases. Therapy included aggressive circulatory support with Swan-Ganz monitoring, external cooling and other modalities. The three fatalities (two addicts, one suicide) presented with coma, shock, body temperature 39 degrees-42 degrees C, acute renal failure, metabolic acidosis and hyperkalemia (K 5.6-8.5 mmol/L).

Language: en

Keywords

Adult; Fatal Outcome; Female; Humans; Intensive Care Units; Male; Methamphetamine; Retrospective Studies; Substance-Related Disorders