Journal article
A Descriptive Study of an Epidemic of Poisoning Caused by Heroin Adulterated with Scopolamine
Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology, v 38(6), pp 597-608
2000
PMID: 11185966
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Objective: Adulterants, contaminants, and diluents are all examples of additives to street drugs. Some of these additives may be pharmacologically active; however, it is unusual for them to cause toxic side effects. In the spring of 1995, a new form of heroin appeared in New York City, spreading to other East Coast cities, that was adulterated with scopolamine. It caused severe anticholinergic toxicity in heroin users with patients often presenting to emergency departments in great numbers. This is a report of the demographics and clinical characteristics of the epidemic. Methods: A combination of prospective and retrospective data collection from the New York City, New Jersey, Delaware Valley, and Maryland Poison Centers. The primary measurements were age, sex, route of drug use, vital signs, signs and symptoms, disposition, and treatment. Results: Of the 370 cases reported to the participating poison centers, 129 were excluded from the final analysis because of insufficient data. Of the patients who used this product, 55% presented with signs and symptoms of heroin toxicity but then became severely agitated with anticholinergic symptoms when naloxone was used to reverse respiratory depression. Nasal insufflation was the route of administration in 34% of the cases. Seizures were rare (3%). Ninety percent required admission, and half were admitted to a critical care unit. Conclusions: Adulteration of street drugs can lead to toxic epidemics. Poison centers are essential for identification of these trends and are the primary source of information on diagnosis and treatment.
Metrics
Details
- Title
- A Descriptive Study of an Epidemic of Poisoning Caused by Heroin Adulterated with Scopolamine
- Creators
- Richard J. Hamilton - New York University School of Medicine, New York City Poison Center, New York, USA.Richard Hamilton - New York University School of Medicine, New York City Poison Center, New York, USA.Jeanmarie Perrone - University of PennsylvaniaRobert Hoffman - New York UniversityFred M. Henretig - University of PennsylvaniaEb H. Karkevandian - New Jersey Poison Information Center, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A.Steven Marcus - New Jersey Poison Information Center, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A.Richard D. Shih - New Jersey Poison Information Center, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.A.Barbara Blok - Johns Hopkins MedicineKaren Nordenholz - Johns Hopkins Medicine
- Publication Details
- Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology, v 38(6), pp 597-608
- Publisher
- Informa UK Ltd
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- College of Medicine
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000165905500001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-0033646391
- Other Identifier
- 991019335321404721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This publication has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Toxicology