Clinical pattern of synthetic cannabinoids users in Upper Egypt: cross-sectional study

In a sample of fifty male users of synthetic cannabinoids in Upper Egypt, most were adolescents and young adults (68% aged 15–<35). Curiosity was the most common motivator for use. Alteration of perception occurred in 68% of subjects; dizziness, loss of consciousness, convulsion, and panic attacks were also reported. Cardiovascular effects included palpitations (76%) and chest pain (12%). Half reported financial problems and about one-third (32%) experienced domestic violence. Abnormal lab findings included anemia (12%), leukocytosis (10%), elevated liver enzymes (8%), and elevated kidney function (4%); 22% were positive for hepatitis C and 4% for HIV. The authors conclude that adolescents are the most common users and that neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular, and violence-related harms are associated with synthetic cannabinoid abuse.

Study at a glance

Abstract

There is an expanding use of new psychoactive substances containing synthetic cannabinoids in the last years. This study was conducted to identify the epidemiologic data of acute and chronic toxicity by synthetic cannabinoids in Upper Egypt patients. All cases included in the presenting study were fifty males. Most users of synthetic cannabinoids were in the adolescence and middle age group (15–< 35) representing 68%. Curiosity was the most common motivator for using synthetic cannabinoids. Alteration of perception was reported in 68% of subjects after synthetic cannabinoids use. Additionally, dizziness, loss of consciousness, convulsion, and panic attacks were also reported. Cardiovascular adverse effects experienced by users were palpitations (76%) and chest pain (12%). Half of included subjects (50%) reported financial problems and about one-third (32%) got involved in domestic violence. Abnormal routine laboratory findings that were found in included cases were in the form of 12% anemia, 10% leukocytosis, and 6% leucopenia. Also, liver and kidney functions were elevated in 8% and 4% of the cases, respectively. While 22% and 4% of cases were positive for hepatitis C and HIV respectively. This study can be concluded that adolescence are the most common users of SCs; neuro-psychiatric and cardiovascular side effects were the most experienced by subjects. Violence in many forms, especially domestic violence, was associated with synthetic cannabinoids abuse. Registered in clinical trial under name syntheticcannabinoidsAssiut and ID NCT03866941 and URL.