Summary of Article
Drug use among adolescence is rising, and it has become a major heath concern. Chronic use and overdose of synthetic cannabinoids such as “K2” has been documented to cause cardiovascular and neurological symptoms. This article presents two case studies of male adolescent Caucasian patients, which experienced loss of consciousness, tachycardia, and diffuse pain after inhaling “K2”.
The first patient (17-year-old) was found with increased generalized muscular tone in the extremities, cyanosis, and apnea. He had a heart rate of 180 BPM, with questionable supraventricular tachycardia when brought into the emergency room. He was given adenosine, 6 mg intravenously. His condition subsided overnight, and he was discharged one day after admission. The second patient (15-year-old) was found unconscious, with heart rate and blood pressure of 172 BPM and 162/57 mm Hg, respectively, and sinus tachycardia. He was placed on continuous telemetry and maintenance of intravenous fluids containing potassium. Overnight, his conditions improved, and he was discharged.
In rare cases, “K2” or “Spice” have also been linked to increase in troponin levels which is consistent with myocardial infractions. Studies regarding their toxicology is indicating that they are 4 to 5 times more potent than traditional marijuana and pose adverse cardiovascular risks. Currently there is no specific toxidrome associated with synthetic cannabinoids, and clinical testing for these compounds is still under development.
Questions and Answers
What is the biggest obstacle the lab faces in testing for synthetic cannabinoids?
The biggest obstacle the lab faces in testing for synthetic cannabinoids is the fact that there is no specific toxidrome associated with synthetic THC products, and clinical testing for these compounds is still under development. Hence routine urine drug screens for cannabinoids may be negative for these synthetic compounds.
The post Summary of Article Drug use among adolescence is rising, and it has appeared first on PapersSpot.
