Acute neurological consequences of novel psychoactive substance use: a retrospective review in a large UK hospital.
M. Tanti, J. Cosgrove, Charles Kelleher, Rebekah Jones, M. Maguire
Clinical medicine May 4, 2021 DOI: 10.7861/clinmed.2020-0706 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Retrospective case-note review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 190 |
| Population | Patients presenting to the emergency department after taking novel psychoactive substances, mostly young men |
| Key findings | Among 237 admissions of 190 patients who used novel psychoactive substances, synthetic cannabinoids predominated (91%) and were associated with impaired consciousness (61%) and seizures (16%), while synthetic cathinones (7%) were linked to psychiatric disturbance or seizures (55%). Most patients received conservative management (67%), and the authors recommend supportive care with referral to drug addiction services. |
Abstract
Background: Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are a growing public health concern. We aimed to identify the acute neurological consequences of NPS.
Method: We performed a retrospective case-note review of patients who presented to the emergency department after taking NPS.
Results: We identified 237 admissions from 190 patients, mostly young men. There were high rates of psychiatric comorbidity (43%), unemployment (39%), homelessness (24%) and incarceration (17%). Most reported use of synthetic cannabinoids (SC; 91%). Some took synthetic cathinones (SCath; 7%) or nitrous oxide (NOS; 2%). SC caused impaired consciousness (61%) and seizures (16%). SCath users presented with psychiatric disturbance or seizures (55%). Most patients were managed conservatively (67%) and a small proportion (14%) were referred to drug or psychology services.
Conclusions: NPS users represent a vulnerable group in society. Certain clinical features may suggest the type of NPS used. Most patients require supportive management and onward referral to drug addiction services is recommended.
Citations in the library
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