Clinical effects of cannabis compared to synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs): a retrospective cohort study of presentations with acute toxicity to European hospitals between 2013 and 2020.

INTRODUCTION: Cannabis is the most common recreational drug worldwide and synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists are currently the largest group of new psychoactive substances. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical features and outcomes of lone acute cannabis toxicity with lone acute synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist toxicity in a large series of presentations to European emergency departments between 2013-2020. METHODS: Self-reported drug exposure, clinical, and outcome data were extracted from the European Drug Emergencies Network Plus which is a surveillance network that records data on drug-related emergency department presentations to 36 centres in 24 European countries. Cannabis exposure was considered the control in all analyses. To compare the lone cannabis and lone synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist groups, univariate analysis using chi squared testing was used for categorical variables and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U- testing for continuous variables. Statistical significance was defined as a P value of <0.05. RESULTS: Between 2013-2020 there were 54,314 drug related presentations of which 2,657 were lone cannabis exposures and 503 lone synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist exposures. Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist presentations had statistically significantly higher rates of drowsiness, coma, agitation, seizures and bradycardia at the time of presentation. Cannabis presentations were significantly more likely to have palpitations, chest pain, hypertension, tachycardia, anxiety, vomiting and headache. DISCUSSION: Emergency department presentations involving lone synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist exposures were more likely to have neuropsychiatric features and be admitted to a psychiatric ward, and lone cannabis exposures were more likely to have cardiovascular features. Previous studies have shown variability in the acute toxicity of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists compared with cannabis but there is little comparative data available on lone exposures. There is limited direct comparison in the current literature between lone synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist and lone cannabis exposure, with only two previous poison centre series and two clinical series. Whilst this study is limited by self-report being used to identify the drug(s) involved in the presentations, previous studies have demonstrated that self-report is reliable in emergency department presentations with acute drug toxicity. CONCLUSION: This study directly compares presentations with acute drug toxicity related to the lone use of cannabis or synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. It supports previous findings of increased neuropsychiatric toxicity from synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists compared to cannabis and provides further data on cardiovascular toxicity in lone cannabis use.

[Consultations to Emergency Departments for acute psychosis associated with illycit drugs use in Spain (REDUrHE Registry)]. / Consultas a Urgencias hospitalarias por psicosis aguda asociada al consumo de drogas ilegales en España (Registro REDUrHE).

OBJECTIVE: Mental health problems are increasing in Spain, and those related to drug use are a preventable aspect of public health. In Spain there are few studies on the incidence and characteristics of acute psychosis due to illegal drug use, especially at national and multicenter level, reason that motivated this paper. METHODS: A prospective multicentre study was carried out in eleven hospital Emergency Departments in Spain, lasting twenty-four months (REDUrHE Registry). Patients with acute psychosis were compared with those with organic pathology, analysing demographic aspects, drugs involved, associated clinical manifestations and evolution Quantitative variables were compared using Student's t-test and qualitative variables were compared using the chi-squared test (or Fisher's exact test as appropriate) and the magnitude of the association with the presence of psychosis using logistic regression. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant or if the 95%CI of the OR excluded the value 1. RESULTS: Of the 4,487 patients in the registry, 9.5% presented acute psychosis, with a median age of thirty-two years and 79% male. The main clinical features were agitation (53%, p=0.001), hallucinations (43.2%, p=0.001) and anxiety (40%, p=0.00). Psychosis was more frequent with cannabis (57.7%), cocaine (42%) and amphetamines and derivatives (26.4%), although in the analysis adjusted for co-drug use (39.5%), or in association with ethyl alcohol (57.7%), it was only statistically significant for cannabis (p=0.0). Patients with psychosis required more hospital admissions (38.1% vs. 10%, p=0.001), mainly in psychiatric units (34.1% vs. 4.2%, p=0.001), with hardly any intensive care unit admissions (0.4% vs. 2.1%, p=0.01). ED stay was high (29.3±73.8 hours vs 10.5±58.8 hours, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, cannabis is the drug most associated with psychosis. This clinical condition produces more hospital admissions, although with a low risk at an organic level.

OBJETIVO: Los problemas de salud mental van en aumento en España, siendo los relacionados con el consumo de drogas una faceta prevenible en el ámbito de la Salud Pública. En España existen pocos estudios sobre la incidencia y características de la psicosis aguda por consumo de drogas ilegales, sobre todo de ámbito nacional y multicéntrico, razón que motivó este trabajo. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico prospectivo, de veinticuatro meses de duración, en once servicios de Urgencias hospitalarias de España (Registro REDUrHE). Se compararon los pacientes con psicosis aguda respecto a los que presentaban patología orgánica, analizando aspectos demográficos, drogas involucradas, clínica asociada y evolución. Las variables cuantitativas se compararon mediante la t de Student y cualitativas con la prueba ji al cuadrado (o el test exacto de Fisher según procediera) y la magnitud de la asociación con la presencia de psicosis mediante regresión logística. Se consideró estadísticamente significativo un valor de p menor de 0,05 o si el IC95% de la OR excluía el valor 1. RESULTADOS: De los 4.487 pacientes del registro, el 9,5% presentó psicosis aguda, con una mediana de edad de treinta y dos años y un 79% de varones. La clínica principal consistió en agitación (53%, p=0,001), alucinaciones (43,2%, p=0,001) y ansiedad (40%, p=0,00). La psicosis fue más frecuente con el consumo de cannabis (57,7%), de cocaína (42%) y de anfetaminas y derivados (26,4%), aunque en el análisis ajustado por coingesta de varias drogas (39,5%), o asociado a alcohol etílico (57,7%), sólo resultó estadísticamente significativo para el cannabis (p=0,0). Los pacientes con psicosis precisaron más ingreso hospitalario (38,1% frente a 10%, p=0,001), fundamentalmente en Unidades de psiquiatría (34,1% frente a 4,2%, p=0,001), sin apenas ingresar en unidades de cuidados intensivos (0,4% frente a 2,1%, p=0,01). La estancia en Urgencias fue más elevada (29,3±73,8 horas frente a 10,5±58,8 horas, p=0,001). CONCLUSIONES: En España, el cannabis es la droga que se relaciona en mayor medida con los casos de psicosis atendidas en Urgencias hospitalarias. Ésta clínica produce más ingresos hospitalarios, aunque con bajo riesgo a nivel orgánico.

Self-discharge during treatment for acute recreational drug toxicity: an observational study from emergency departments in seven European countries.

BACKGROUND: Self-discharge is a risk factor for readmission and excess mortality. We assess the rate of self-discharge from the emergency department (ED) among presentations for acute recreational drug toxicity and identify factors associated with self-discharge. METHODS: From the Euro-DEN Plus database of presentations to the ED with acute recreational drug toxicity, we extracted data from 11 centres in seven European countries from 2014 to 2017. Self-discharge was defined as taking one's own discharge or escaping from the ED before being medically cleared. We used multiple logistic regression analyses to look for factors associated with self-discharge. RESULTS: Among 15,135 included presentations, 1807 (11.9%) self-discharged. Self-discharge rates varied from 1.7 to 17.1% between centres. Synthetic cannabinoids were associated with self-discharge, adjusted odds ratio 1.44 (95% confidence interval 1.10-1.89), as were heroin, 1.44 (1.26-1.64), agitation, 1.27 (1.10-1.46), and naloxone treatment, 1.27 (1.07-1.51), while sedation protected from self-discharge, 0.38 (0.30-0.48). CONCLUSION: One in eight presentations self-discharged. There was a large variation in self-discharge rates across the participating centres, possibly partly reflecting different discharge procedures and practices. Measures to improve the management of agitation and cautious administration of naloxone to avoid opioid withdrawal symptoms may be approaches worth exploring to reduce self-discharge.

Characteristics of drug poisonings treated in eleven Spanish emergency departments: Differentiated analysis by sex. / Características de las intoxicaciones por drogas atendidas en once servicios de urgencias españoles: Análisis diferenciado por sexo.

In order to identify the sociodemographic, clinical, emergency management and severity differences of drug poisoning treated in Emergency Departments (ED) from a gender perspective, data on patients from 11 Spanish EDs were recorded over 24 months (August 2017-July 2019). The severity of intoxication was compared by sex and was based on the combined adverse event (orotracheal intubation, cardiorespiratory arrest, intensive care hospitalization, and death). We included 4,526 patients (men 75.5%), with a mean age of 33 years. The most frequent drugs were: cocaine (47.8%), cannabis (44.4%) and amphetamines (25.5%). Men consumed more GHB (5.6% vs. 1.9%, p < .001) and less benzodiazepines (8.0% vs. 11.1%, p = .002) and alcohol (57.2% vs. 61.2%, p = .028) than women, with no differences in other types of drugs. Men presented significantly more severe bradycardia (OR = 4.39, 95%CI = 1.03-18.7), chest pain (OR = 1.72, 95%CI = 1.27-2.35) and symptomatic hypertension (OR = 1.56, 95%CI = 1.06-2.30) and less anxiety (OR = 0.74, 95%CI = 0.61-0.89) and vomiting (OR = 0.64, CI95% = 0.51-0.80). Men had more combined adverse events (3.1% vs. 2.0%, p = .047) and a greater intubations (1.9% vs. 1.0%, p = .044), with no significant differences in the adjusted model (OR = 1.349, 95%CI = 0.827-2.202 and OR = 1.371, 95%CI = 0.700-2.685, respectively). Twelve patients died (0.3%), with no differences according to sex. Drug intoxications attended in the ED differ according to sex. GHB, benzodiazepines and alcohol are more frequently involved in men than women. Cardiovascular symptomatology is more prevalent in men, while anxiety and vomiting are more frequent in women, which cannot be explained by differences in sociodemographic characteristics or the drugs used. There were no differences in the severity of the intoxication episodes.

Con el objetivo de identificar, con perspectiva de género, las diferencias sociodemográficas, clínicas, manejo en urgencias y gravedad de las intoxicaciones por drogas atendidas en Servicios de Urgencias Hospitalarias (SUH), se registraron todos los pacientes atendidos en 11 SUH españoles durante 24 meses (agosto 2017-julio 2019). La gravedad de la intoxicación se basó en el evento adverso combinado (intubación orotraqueal, parada cardiorrespiratoria, hospitalización en intensivos, y muerte), comparándose según el sexo. Cuando se encontraron diferencias significativas en sintomatología o gravedad, los resultados se ajustaron por características sociodemográficas y drogas consumidas. Se incluyeron 4.526 pacientes (hombres 75,5%), con edad media de 33 años. Las drogas más frecuentes fueron cocaína (47,8%), cánnabis (44,4%) y anfetaminas (25,5%). Hubo más GHB en hombres (5,6% vs 1,9%, p < ,001) y más benzodiacepinas (8,0% vs 11,1%, p = ,002) y alcohol (57,2% vs 61,2%, p = ,028) en mujeres, sin diferencias en otras de drogas. Los hombres tuvieron significativamente más bradicardia grave (OR = 4,39, IC95% = 1,03-18,7), dolor torácico (OR = 1,72, IC95% = 1,27-2,35) e hipertensión sintomática (OR = 1,56, IC95% = 1,06-2,30) y menos ansiedad (OR = 0,74, IC95% = 0,61-0,89) y vómitos (OR = 0,64, IC95% = 0,51-0,80). Tuvieron también más eventos adversos combinados (3,1% vs 2,0%, p = ,047) y más intubaciones (1,9% vs 1,0%, p = ,044), pero sin diferencias significativas en el modelo ajustado (OR = 1,349, IC95% = 0,827-2,202 y OR = 1,371, IC95% = 0,700-2,685, respectivamente). Fallecieron 12 pacientes (0,3%), sin diferencias según sexo. Concluimos que existen diferencias según el sexo en las drogas que originan intoxicaciones atendidas en los SUH. Las diferencias en sintomatología cardiovascular (más en hombres) y ansiosa o digestiva (más en mujeres) no se explican por diferencias sociodemográficas o de drogas utilizadas. La gravedad de la intoxicación no se ve influida por el sexo.

Severity of emergency department presentations due to acute drug toxicity in Europe: a longitudinal analysis over a 6-year period (2014-2019) stratified by sex.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the severity of acute recreation drug toxicity presentations to emergency departments (EDs) in Europe has changed in recent years and to uncover potential sex differences. DESIGN: We analysed presentations to 36 EDs in 24 European countries relating to acute recreational drug toxicity, with separate analysis for presentations involving lone use of cannabis, cocaine, and heroin. As severity markers, we calculated rates of hospitalization, admission to ICU, intubation, and death by annual quarters between 2014 and 2019. Trends on severity over time were estimated by logistic regression. Differences between men and women were assessed by interaction. Sensitivity analysis was performed including only EDs that provided data for all 24 quarters. Analyses of intoxications taken altogether were adjusted by age and sex, while of lone intoxications being also adjusted by ethanol co-ingestion. RESULTS: There were 43 633 presentations (median age = 31 years, interquartile range = 25-40 years, men = 76.5%) resulting in 10 344 hospitalizations (23.9%), 2568 ICU admissions (5.9%), 1391 intubations (3.2%), and 171 deaths (0.39%). Hospitalization, ICU admission and death did not differ by sex, but intubation was more frequent in men (3.4% vs. 2.3%, P < 0.001). No significant changes in the severity of drug intoxications over time were found when considered altogether, neither for lone cannabis (n = 4264) nor cocaine (n = 3562). Conversely, significant increases in hospitalization [odds ratios (OR) = 1.023, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.004-1.041], ICU admission (OR = 1.080, 95% CI = 1.042-1.118) and in intubation (OR = 1.049, 95% CI = 1.001-1.099) were detected for lone heroin presentations (n = 1997). Sensitivity analysis (32 245 presentations, 14 EDs, 9 countries) confirmed the overall absence of changes in severity markers (except for death rate, which significantly decreased by quarter: OR = 0.968, 95% CI = 0.943-0.994). Additionally, it suggested an increased risk over time of intubation for cocaine (OR = 1.068, 95% CI = 1.009-1.130) and confirmed the increased risk of ICU admission for heroin (OR = 1.058, 95% CI = 1.013-1.105). Changes in severity over time did not differ according to sex in the main analysis of the whole cohort, while a significantly higher decrease in risk of death in men was found in the sensitivity analysis (OR = 0.894, 95% CI = 0.825-969 vs. OR = 0.949, 95% CI = 0.860-1.048; P interaction = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of presentations to European EDs remained mainly unchanged during 2014-2019, but the risk of death may have decreased. Conversely, intubation in lone cocaine and ICU admission in lone heroin intoxications have increased. Although men and women exhibited a similar pattern over the period for the majority of comparisons, our data suggest that women exhibited a smaller decrease of the overall risk of death.

Differences in clinical signs and severity of intoxication due to street drugs in adolescents and young adults treated in emergency departments. / Características diferenciales en las manifestaciones clínicas y la gravedad de las intoxicaciones por drogas de abuso en adolescentes atendidos en servicios de urgencias en comparación con adultos jóvenes.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether symptoms and levels of severity of intoxication from street drugs differ between adolescents and young adults who come to hospital emergency departments for treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied a consecutive cohort of adolescents (aged 12-17 years) and young adults (aged 18-30 years) who were treated in 11 hospital emergency departments belonging to the Drug Abuse Network of Spanish Hospital Emergency Departments (REDURHE). Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and level of severity were recorded for comparison between between adolescents and young adults, adjusted for sex, alcohol co-ingestion, and type of drug used. An intoxication was recorded as severe if at least 1 of the following indicators was present: cardiac arrest, tracheal intubation, intensive care unit admission, and in-hospital death. RESULTS: We included a total of 2181 patients: 249 adolescents (11.4%) and 1932 young adults (88.6%). Alcohol coingestion and use of multiple drugs were less common in adolescents, who had significantly more events related to cannabis (in 81.1% vs 49.0% of young adults) and benzodiazepines (13.3% vs 5.5%). The adolescents had significantly fewer intoxications from the use of cocaine (10.8% vs 45.1%), amphetamines (17.3% vs 32.3%), ketamine (0.4% vs 6.0%) and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (0.4% vs 4.0%). A higher proportion of adolescents than young adults presented with diminished consciousness (23.0% vs 16.9%), but fewer manifested anxiety (15.9% vs 26.3%), palpitations (11.0% vs 19.5%), or chest pain (2.8% vs 9.2%). The pattern of associations was similar in the subgroup of intoxications due to cannabis. The adjusted model confirmed that the adolescents were more likely to have diminished consciousness, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.851 (95% CI, 1.204-2.844) and less likely to have anxiety (OR, 0.529 (95% CI, 0.347-0.807). Intoxication was severe in 46 patients overall (2.1%); in adolescents and young adults the proportions were 0.8% and 2.3%, respectively (P = 0.129). In adolescents, the OR was 0.568 (95% CI, 0.131-2.468) for severity; for component indicators, the ORs were 0.494 (95% CI, 0.063-3.892) for intubation and 0.780 (95% CI, 0.175-3.475) for intensive care unit admission. No deaths occurred. CONCLUSION: Adolescents requiring emergency care for street drug intoxication had co-ingested alcohol or taken multiple drugs less often than young adults. Cannabis was the drug most often used by adolescents, who presented more often with diminished consciousness but less often with anxiety. We detected no differences related to event severity.

OBJETIVO: Investigar si existen diferencias en las drogas, sintomatología y gravedad entre adolescentes y jóvenes atendidos por intoxicación por drogas en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH). METODO: Entre los pacientes consecutivos atendidos por consumo de drogas en los 11 SUH de la REDURHE (Red de estudio de Drogas en Urgencias Hospitalarios en España), se seleccionaron los adolescentes (edad = 12-17 años) y los jóvenes (edad = 18-30 años). Se compararon las características sociodemográficas, clínicas y la gravedad (evento adverso combinado ­EAC­: parada cardiorrespiratoria, intubación endotraqueal, ingreso en cuidados intensivos o muerte intrahospitalaria) en adolescentes y jóvenes, ajustadas por sexo, coingesta de etanol y drogas involucradas. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 2.181 pacientes (adolescentes = 249, 11,4%; jóvenes = 1.932, 88,6%). En adolescentes, la coingesta de etanol y múltiples drogas fue menos frecuente. Hubo significativamente más asistencias por cannabis (81,1% vs 49,0%) y benzodiacepinas (13,3% vs 5,5%) y menos por cocaína (10,8% vs 45,1%), anfetamínicos (17,3% vs 32,3%), ketamina (0,4% vs 6,0%) y gamma-hidroxibutirato (0,4% vs 4,0%). Los adolescentes presentaron más disminución de consciencia (23,0% vs 16,9%) y menos ansiedad (15,9% vs 26,3%), palpitaciones (11,0% vs 19,5%) y dolor torácico (2,8% vs 9,2%). Estas asociaciones se mantuvieron al analizar el subgrupo de intoxicados por cannabis. En el modelo ajustado, los adolescentes presentan más disminución de consciencia con (OR = 1,851, IC 95%: 1,204-2,844) y menos ansiedad (OR = 0,529, IC 95%: 0,347-0,807). Se observó EAC en 46 pacientes (2,0%; 0,8% vs 2,3%, p = 0,129). La OR ajustada en adolescentes para EAC fue 0,568 (IC 95%: 0,131-2,468), y para intubación 0,494 (IC 95%: 0,063-3,892) y para ingreso en intensivos 0,780 (IC 95%: 0,175-3,475). No hubo fallecimientos. CONCLUSIONES: Los adolescentes intoxicados por drogas atendidos en SUH presentan con menor frecuencia coingesta de etanol o múltiples drogas. La droga más frecuentemente implicada es el cannabis, y presentan más disminución de consciencia y menos ansiedad. No detectamos diferencias en la gravedad entre adolescentes y jóvenes.

Clinical manifestations and serious adverse effects after cannabis use: role of age according to sex and coingestion of alcohol. / Manifestaciones clínicas y eventos adversos graves tras consumo de cannabis: efecto de la edad y análisis diferenciado en función del sexo y la coingesta de etanol.

OBJECTIVES: To study whether there are age-related differences in the clinical effects of cannabis poisoning and whether any age differences found are also related to sex or coingestion of alcohol. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive observational study of patients treated in 11 emergency departments for symptoms related to cannabis use. We collected data on 11 clinical manifestations and used a restricted cubic spline model to analyze their relative frequency according to age. We also looked for any interactions between the findings and patient sex or alcohol coingestion. RESULTS: A total of 949 patients were studied. The mean age was 29 years, 74% were males, and 39% had also consumed alcohol. We identified 3 symptom patterns related to age. One set of symptoms (vomiting, headache, convulsions, and hypotension) remained stable across all ages. Manifestations that increased in the middle of the age range studied were agitation and aggressivity, psychosis, palpitations and hallucinations. Chest pain and hypertension increased in older-aged patients. The frequencies of palpitations, vomiting, and headache differed according to sex. These manifestations held constant in males but were markedly higher in young-adult females. Coingestion of alcohol was associated with agitation and aggressivity (in 34.0% vs 23.4%, P .001), fewer reports of palpitations (in 9.8% vs 15.6%, P = .01), less anxiety (in 20.7% vs 27.8%, P = .01), less psychosis (in 10.3% vs 16.6%, P = .007), and less chest pain (in 3.8% vs 9.5%, P = .001). The only significant interaction between age and alcohol coingestion occurred with respect to vomiting and psychosis. CONCLUSION: There are age-related differences in the acute clinical manifestations of cannabis poisoning requiring emergency hospital care. Sex and coingestion of alcohol modify the relationship between age and frequency of some manifestations.

OBJETIVO: Investigar si existen diferencias en las manifestaciones clínicas por consumo de cannabis según la edad, y si estas se modifican en función del sexo o el consumo de etanol. METODO: Estudio observacional descriptivo de pacientes atendidos en 11 servicios de urgencias con consumo de cannabis como motivo de consulta. Se recogieron 11 manifestaciones clínicas y se analizó su frecuencia relativa en función de la edad mediante curvas spline cúbicas restringidas. Se analizó si existía interacción en el comportamiento etario de cada uno de los síntomas en función del sexo y del consumo de etanol. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 949 pacientes, edad media 29 años, 74% varones y 39% con coingesta de etanol. Se identificaron tres patrones de síntomas según la edad: estable (vómitos, cefalea, convulsiones, hipotensión), incrementada en edades medias (agresividad-agitación, ansiedad, psicosis, palpitaciones, alucinaciones) y con aumento progresivo con la edad (dolor torácico e hipertensión). En la relación síntoma-edad, la frecuencia de palpitaciones, vómitos y cefalea tuvo un comportamiento significativamente diferente según el sexo, más constante en hombres y con un incremento marcado en edades medias en mujeres. La coingesta de etanol se asoció con más agitación-agresividad (34,0%/23,4%, p 0,001) y menos palpitaciones (9,8%/15,6%, p = 0,01), ansiedad (20,7%/27,8%, p = 0,01), psicosis (10,3%/16,6%, p = 0,007) y dolor torácico (3,8%/9,5%, p = 0,001). En cuanto a la relación síntoma-edad, el etanol solo modificó significativamente la frecuencia de vómitos y de psicosis. CONCLUSIONES: La edad condiciona efectos clínicos diferenciales en algunas manifestaciones agudas de la intoxicación por cannabis que precisa asistencia hospitalaria, y el sexo y el consumo simultáneo de alcohol modifican esta relación entre edad y frecuencia de algunos síntomas.

Differences in clinical features associated with cannabis intoxication in presentations to European emergency departments according to patient age and sex.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if clinical features associated with acute cannabis intoxication in patients presenting to Emergency Departments for medical assistance differ according to patient age and sex. METHODS: We analysed presentations in the Euro-DEN Plus dataset from 2014 to 2019 in which cannabis was the only drug involved (except for alcohol), and age, sex and alcohol co-ingestion had been recorded. Age was considered as categorical (five groups; <20, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49 and ≥50 years), and sex as binary variable (male/female). We evaluated 12 key clinical features recorded during emergency department (ED) care. Risks of presenting with each of these clinical features according to patient age and sex were calculated by logistic regression models, and adjusted for sex, age and alcohol co-ingestion. RESULTS: 4,268 of 43,633 Euro-DEN presentations (9.8%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria (median age: 26 years (IQR = 20-34), 70% male, 52% co-ingested alcohol). The frequency of clinical features was: anxiety 28%, vomiting 24%, agitation 23%, palpitations 14%, reduced consciousness 13%, acute psychosis 9%, hallucinations 9%, chest pain 7%, headache 6%, hypotension 4%, hypertension 3% and seizures 2%. Patients younger than 20 years more frequently had vomiting (34.7% of cases), reduced consciousness (21.5%), and headache (10.8%); and less frequently acute psychosis (5.5%). Patients older than 49 years more often had hypotension (6.5%) and less frequently vomiting (20%), anxiety (14%), agitation (14%) and reduced consciousness (10%). Males more frequently presented with hypertension (3.7 vs. 1.5%; OR = 2.311, 95%CI = 1.299-3.816), psychosis (10.4 vs 6.3%; 1.948, 1.432-2.430), chest pain (8.1 vs 4.5%; 1.838, 1.390-2.430) and seizures (2.5 vs 1.4%; 1.805, 1.065-3.060), and less frequently with vomiting (21.8 vs 28.2%; 0.793, 0.677-0.930), anxiety (25.4 vs 32.3%; 0.655, 0.561-0.766) and hypotension (2.9 vs 5.8%; 0.485, 0.350-0.671). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of some clinical features typically associated with acute cannabis intoxication differed according to age and sex. The causes for these differences should be further investigated in order to better understand the pathophysiology of cannabis-related acute toxicity, and they may be relevant particularly for developing prevention campaigns and for treatment in specific sex and/or age groups.

Factors associated with late presentation to the emergency department in patients complaining of chest pain.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated which factors predict late presentation (LP) to the emergency department (ED) in patients with non-traumatic chest pain (CP). METHODS: All CP cases attended at a single ED (2008-2017) were included. LP was considered if time from CP onset to ED arrival was>6 h. We analyzed associations between 42 patient/CP-related characteristics and LP in the whole cohort and in patients with CP due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS). RESULTS: The cohort included 25,693 cases (LP=50.6%; ACS=19.0%). Twenty factors were associated with LP, and 8 were also found in patients with ACS: CP of short-duration, aggravated by exertion or breathing/movement, undulating or recurrent CP increased the risk of LP, whereas CP accompanied by diaphoresis, irradiated to the throat, and chronic treatment with nitrates decreased the risk of LP. Exertional and recurrent CP were associated with both, LP and ACS. CONCLUSION: Some characteristics, mainly CP-related, may lead to LP to the ED. CP aggravated by exercise and recurrent CP were associated with both LP and a final diagnosis of ACS. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Patient educational initiatives should consider these two features as potential warnings for ACS and thereby encourage patients to seek early medical consultation.

Spanish Research Network on Drugs in Hospital Emergency Departments - the REDUrHE registry: general analysis and comparisons between weekend and weekday poisonings. / Red de Estudio de Drogas en Urgencias Hospitalarias en España (Registro REDUrHE): análisis general y comparación según asistencia en día laborable o festivo.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the sociodemographic characteristics, drug use patterns, and the severity of drug overdoses treated in hospital emergency departments according to the registry of the Spanish Research Network on Drugs in Hospital Emergency Departments (REDUrHE project), and to identify differences between patterns on weekdays and weekends/national holidays. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven hospitals participated in the REDUrHE project, studying consecutive patients with symptoms of drug overdose over a 24-month period. The drugs implicated were extracted from clinical records or toxicology reports. An overdose was considered severe if management required intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or admission to the intensive care unit, or if in-hospital death occurred (composite event). Each of these variables was also analyzed by itself. RESULTS: A total of 4526 patients were studied (2218 [49%] on weekends/holidays; 2308 [51%] on workdays). The mean (SD) age was 33 (11) years, and 75.5% were men. The most commonly used drugs were cocaine (47.8%), paciencannabis (44.4%), amphetamine derivatives (25.5%), benzodiazepines (8.8%), and opioids (7.3%). Patients treated on weekends/holidays were younger (32.1 vs 33.1 years on weekdays, P = .006), and they were more often taken to the hospital in an ambulance (60.5% vs 57.3%, P = .035). Hospitals in large cities (Barcelona and Madrid) saw more patients on weekends/holidays (55.8%). Major tourist destinations (the Balearic and Canary Islands) saw fewer patients on weekends/holidays (44.7%, P .001). Alcohol was ingested along with a drug by 58.2%; this combination was more common on weekends/holidays (in 63.3% vs 52.9% on weekdays, P .001), and 39.4% used more than 1 drug. Use of more than 1 drug was less common on weekends (in 37.6% vs 41.2%, P = .013). Opioid emergencies were also less frequent on weekends (6.0% vs 8.6%, P = .001), when gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) overdoses were more common (5.8% vs 3.6%, P .001). Severity indicators were present (the composite event) more often on weekends (in 3.6% vs 2.2%, P = .006). Likewise, weekends saw more intubations (in 2.3% vs 1.0%, P = .001) and intensive care unit admissions (2.4% vs 1.6%, P = .047). Twelve patients (0.3%) died; mortality was similar on weekends (0.2%) and weekdays (0.3%) (P = .826). After adjusting for age, sex, combined use of alcohol, and type of drug, the risk of the severe-event composite was greater on weekends (odds ratio, 1.569; 95% CI, 1.088-2.263). CONCLUSION: Weekend and holiday emergencies due to drug overdoses are more frequent in large city hospitals. Weekend emergencies share certain distinctive characteristics: patients are younger, alcohol more often is ingested with drugs but multiple-drug combinations are less common, and GHB is used more often while opioids are used less often. Severe poisonings occur more often on weekends and holidays.

OBJETIVO: Conocer las características sociodemográficas, el patrón de consumo y la gravedad de los pacientes atendidos en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH) españoles por intoxicación por drogas (Proyecto REDUrHE) e investigar si existen diferencias entre los días festivos y los días laborables. METODO: Once SUH integrantes del proyecto REDUrHE incluyeron durante 24 meses de forma consecutiva a los pacientes atendidos por sintomatología derivada del consumo de drogas ilegales. Estas se determinaron por la historia clínica o la determinación toxicológica. El indicador primario de gravedad fue el evento adverso combinado formado por intubación, parada cardiorrespiratoria, ingreso en cuidados intensivos o muerte intrahospitalaria y los indicadores secundarios cada uno de estos eventos adversos considerado individualmente. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 4.526 pacientes (festivo: 2.218, 49%; laborables: 2.308, 51%), con edad media de 33 años (DE 11) y 75,5% hombres. Las drogas más frecuentemente involucradas fueron cocaína (47,8%), cannabis (44,4%), derivados anfetamínicos (25,5%), benzodiacepinas (8,8%) y opiáceos (7,3%). Los pacientes atendidos en festivos eran más jóvenes (32,1 vs 33,1 años, p = 0,006) y más frecuentemente traídos al SUH en ambulancia (60,5% vs 57,3%, p = 0,035). Los SUH de grandes ciudades (Barcelona, Madrid) tuvieron la mayor afluencia en festivo (55,8%) y los de zonas de alto turismo lúdico (Baleares, Canarias) los de menor afluencia (44,7%; p 0,001). El 58,2% ingirió simultáneamente etanol (más en festivos, 63,3% vs 52,9%, p 0,001) y el 39,4% más de una droga (menos en festivos, 37,6% vs 41,2%, p = 0,013). En festivo, los opiáceos fueron menos frecuentes (6,0% vs 8,6%, p = 0,001) y el gamma- hidroxibutirato más (5,8% vs 3,6%, p 0,001). También en festivo, hubo más eventos combinados adversos (3,6% vs 2,2%; p = 0,006), más intubaciones (2,3% vs 1,0%, p = 0,001) y más ingresos en cuidados intensivos (2,4% vs 1,6%, p = 0,047). Fallecieron 12 pacientes (0,3%), sin diferencias entre grupos (0,2% vs 0,3%, p = 0,826). Al ajustar por edad, sexo, ingesta combinada de etanol y tipos de drogas implicadas, los pacientes atendidos en festivos tuvieron más riesgo de evento adverso combinado, con OR = 1,569 (IC 95% = 1,088-2,263). CONCLUSIONES: Las intoxicaciones por drogas atendidas en SUH en día festivo suceden con mayor frecuencia en grandes ciudades y presentan ciertas características distintivas (pacientes más jóvenes, más ingesta conjunta con etanol, menos combinación de drogas, más frecuente gamma-hidroxibutirato y menos frecuente piáceos). Durante los festivos, las intoxicaciones atendidas son de mayor gravedad.

Impact of co-ingestion of ethanol on the clinical symptomatology and severity of patients attended in the emergency department for recreational drug toxicity.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate whether there are differences in the drugs involved, symptomatology and severity of drug intoxication in patients with co-ingestion of alcohol attended in hospital emergency departments (ED). METHOD: Patients attended in 11 Spanish EDs due to drug intoxication were included. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected. A combined adverse event of cardiorespiratory arrest, need for intubation, and admission to intensive care or death was considered as the primary indicator of severity. The symptomatology and severity were compared adjusted for age, sex and type of drug based on whether or not ethanol had been co-ingested. RESULTS: 3925 patients (alcohol co-ingestion: 2290, 58.3%) with a mean age of 33 (±11) years were included, and 25% were women. Co-ingestion of alcohol was observed in younger patients, in EDs in areas with high leisure tourism, on holidays and during the early morning hours. It was also more frequent in individuals intoxicated by amphetamine derivatives (66.2%) and cocaine (65.7%), and was more frequently associated with a reduction in consciousness (odds ratio [OR] = 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.69-2.67) and agitation/aggressiveness (OR = 1.22, 95% = 1.04-1.43). A combined adverse event was observed in 114 patients (2.9%) with no differences between individuals co-ingesting or not ethanol (3.1% vs. 2.7%; OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.74-1.65). CONCLUSION: Co-ingestion of alcohol is more frequent in individuals intoxicated by cocaine and amphetamines and predisposes a greater reduction in the level of consciousness or agitation, although there are no differences in the severity of the episodes of drug intoxication.

Mortality in patients treated for COVID-19 in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital during the first phase of the pandemic: Derivation of a risk model for emergency departments. / Análisis de mortalidad de los pacientes atendidos por COVID-19 en el servicio de urgencias de un hospital de tercer nivel en la fase incial de la pandemia. Derivación de un modelo de riesgo para urgencias.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a risk model to predict 30-day mortality after emergency department treatment for COVID-19. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational retrospective cohort study including 2511 patients with COVID-19 who came to our emergency department between March 1 and April 30, 2020. We analyzed variables with Kaplan Meier survival and Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: All-cause mortality was 8% at 30 days. Independent variables associated with higher risk of mortality were age over 50 years, a Barthel index score less than 90, altered mental status, the ratio of arterial oxygen saturation to the fraction of inspired oxygen (SaO2/FIO2), abnormal lung sounds, platelet concentration less than 100 000/mm3, a C-reactive protein concentration of 5 mg/dL or higher, and a glomerular filtration rate less than 45 mL/min. Each independent predictor was assigned 1 point in the score except age, which was assigned 2 points. Risk was distributed in 3 levels: low risk (score of 4 points or less), intermediate risk (5 to 6 points), and high risk (7 points or above). Thirty-day risk of mortality was 1.7% for patients who scored in the low-risk category, 28.2% for patients with an intermediate risk score, and 67.3% for those with a high risk score. CONCLUSION: This mortality risk stratification tool for patients with COVID-19 could be useful for managing the course of disease and assigning health care resources in the emergency department.

OBJETIVO: Derivar un modelo de riesgo para estimar la probabilidad de mortalidad a los 30 días de la visita a urgencias de pacientes con COVID-19. METODO: Estudio observacional de cohortes retrospectivo de 2.511 pacientes con COVID-19 atendidos en el servicio de urgencias hospitalario (SUH) del 1 de marzo al 30 de abril de 2020. Se realizó análisis de supervivencia mediante Kaplan Meier y regresión de Cox. RESULTADOS: La mortalidad por cualquier causa a los 30 días fue de un 8%. Los factores asociados de forma independiente a mayor mortalidad fueron: edad 50 años, índice de Barthel 90 puntos, alteración del nivel de consciencia, índice de SaO2/FIO2 400, auscultación respiratoria anómala, cifra de plaquetas 100.000/mm3, PCR 5 mg/dL y filtrado glomerular 45 mL/min. A estos factores se les asignó una puntuación de 1, excepto a la edad, que se le asignó un valor de 2 puntos. Se dividió el modelo de riesgo en 3 categorías: riesgo bajo (menor o igual a 4 puntos), riesgo intermedio (5-6 puntos) y riesgo alto (igual o superior a 7 puntos). Para los pacientes clasificados como de bajo riesgo la probabilidad de mortalidad a los 30 días fue del 1,7%, en los casos de riesgo intermedio fue del 28,2% y para los de alto riesgo fue del 67,3%. CONCLUSIONES: Disponer de una herramienta para estratificar el riesgo de mortalidad de los pacientes con COVID-19 que consultan a un SUH podría ser de utilidad para la gestión de los recursos sanitarios disponibles.

Variation of drugs involved in acute drug toxicity presentations based on age and sex: an epidemiological approach based on European emergency departments.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the relative percentage of acute recreational drug toxicity emergency department (ED) presentations involving the main drug groups according to age and sex and investigate different patterns based on sex and age strata. METHODS: We analysed all patients with acute recreational drug toxicity included by the Euro-DEN Plus dataset (22 EDs in 14 European countries) between October 2013 and December 2016 (39 months). Drugs were grouped as: opioids, cocaine, cannabis, amphetamines, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), hallucinogens, new psychoactive substances (NPS), benzodiazepines and ketamine. Descriptive data by age and sex are presented and compared among age/sex categories and among drug families. RESULTS: Of 17,371 patients were included during the 39-month period, 17,198 (99.0%) had taken at least one of the investigated drugs (median age: 31 years; 23.9% female; ethanol co-ingestion recorded in 41.5%, unknown in 31.2%; multiple drug use in 37.9%). Opioids (in 31.4% of patients) and amphetamines (23.3%) were the most frequently involved and hallucinogens (1.9%) and ketamine (1.7%) the least. Overall, female patients were younger than males, both in the whole cohort (median age 29 vs. 32 years; p < 0.001) and in all drug groups except benzodiazepines (median age 36 vs. 36 years; p = 0.83). The relative proportion of each drug group was different at every age strata and some patterns could be clearly described: cannabis, NPS and hallucinogens were the most common in patients <20 years; amphetamines, ketamine and cocaine in the 20- to 39-year group; GHB/GBL in the 30- to 39-year group; and opioids and benzodiazepines in patients ≥40 years. Ethanol and other drug co-ingestion was more frequent at middle-ages, and multidrug co-ingestion was more common in females than males. CONCLUSION: Differences in the drugs involved in acute drug toxicity presentations according to age and sex may be relevant for developing drug-prevention and education programs for some particular subgroups of the population based on the increased risk of adverse events in specific sex and/or age strata.

Influence of previous coronary artery bypass grafting in the difficulty of acute coronary syndrome diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) patients with chest pain (CP) is more difficult based on the initial clinical and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings. METHODS: We included consecutive CP patients attended at a single emergency department (ED) during a 10-year period. CABG status and the final diagnosis of ACS were considered as stated in the ED discharge report. We evaluated the frequency of 21 CP characteristics (CPC) and four ECG signatures, their individual and collective association with ACS, and ED length of stay (LOS) in CABG and non-CABG patients. RESULTS: We included 34 429 patients [median age: 61 years; female: 41.8%; CABG: 2204 patients (6.4%)], and ACS was diagnosed in 6727 (19.5%; CABG/non-CABG 37.2%/18.3%; P < 0.001). CABG patients more frequently had CPC and ECG findings typically associated with ACS, but their final association with ACS was weaker than in non-CABG patients (only significant after adjustment for attendant diaphoresis, throat irradiation, ST-segment elevation and T-wave inversion). The collective discriminative capacity was significantly lower in CABG patients (area under the curve 0.710 vs. 0.793; P < 0.001), even after adjustment (0.708 vs. 0.790; P < 0.001). ED LOS was longer for CABG patients, overall (P < 0.001) and for patients diagnosed with ACS (P = 0.008) and non-ACS (P < 0.001), but these differences disappeared after adjustment. CONCLUSION: CABG substantially reduces the diagnostic performance of CPC and ECG findings to suggest ACS. A longer LOS in the ED in CABG patients is more related to their baseline characteristics than to CABG itself.

Factors associated with revisits by patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection discharged from a hospital emergency department. / Factores asociados a revisita en pacientes con diagnóstico de infección por SARS-CoV-2 dados de alta de un servicio de urgencias hospitalario.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze emergency department (ED) revisits from patients discharged with possible coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study of consecutive patients who came to the ED over a period of 2 months and were diagnosed with possible COVID-19. We analyzed clinical and epidemiologic variables, treatments given in the ED, discharge destination, need to revisit, and reasons for revisits. Patients who did or did not revisit were compared, and factors associated with revisits were explored. RESULTS: The 2378 patients included had a mean age of 57 years; 49% were women. Of the 925 patients (39%) discharged, 170 (20.5%) revisited the ED, mainly for persistence or progression of symptoms. Sixty-six (38.8%) were hospitalized. Odds ratios (ORs) for the following factors showed an association with revisits: history of rheumatologic disease (OR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.10-7.99; P = .03), digestive symptoms (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.14-2.63; P = .01), respiratory rate over 20 breaths per minute (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.0-1.06; P = .05), and corticosteroid therapy given in the ED (OR, 7.78; 95% CI, 1.77-14.21, P = .01). Factors associated with hospitalization after revisits were age over 48 years (OR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1 42-4.67; P = .002) and fever (OR, 4.73; 95% CI, 1.99-11.27; P = .001). CONCLUSION: Patients under the age of 48 years without comorbidity and with normal vitals can be discharged from the ED without fear of complications. A history of rheumatologic disease, fever, digestive symptoms, and a respiratory rate over 20 breaths per minute, or a need for corticosteroid therapy were independently associated with revisits. Fever and age over 48 years were associated with a need for hospitalization.

OBJETIVO: Analizar las revisitas y los factores asociados a la misma en pacientes con diagnóstico de posible COVID-19 dados de alta de un servicio de urgencias hospitalario (SUH). METODO: Estudio observacional, retrospectivo que incluyó pacientes consecutivos que consultaron al SUH en un periodo de 2 meses y fueron diagnosticados de posible de COVID-19. Se analizaron variables clínico-epidemiológicas, tratamiento administrado en urgencias, destino final, revisita al SUH y motivo de esta. Se hizo un análisis comparativo entre ambos grupos (revisita sí/no) y se identificaron factores asociados a la revisita. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 2.378 pacientes (edad media 57 años; 49% mujeres). De los pacientes dados de alta (39% del total; n = 925), 170 (20,5%) reconsultaron al SUH, principalmente por persistencia o progresión de síntomas, y 66 (38,8%) precisaron ingreso. Los factores relacionados con la revisita fueron: antecedentes de enfermedad reumatológica [OR: 2,97 (IC 95%: 1,10-7,99, p = 0,03)], síntomas digestivos [OR: 1,73 (IC 95%: 1,14-2,63, p = 0,01)], frecuencia respiratoria $ 20 [OR: 1,03 (IC 95%: 1,0-1,06, p = 0,05)] y haber recibido tratamiento con esteroides en urgencias [OR: 7,78 (IC 95%: 1,77-14,21, p = 0,01)]. Los factores asociados al ingreso en la revisita fueron la edad $ 48 años [OR: 2,57 (IC 95%: 1,42-4,67, p = 0,002)] y presentar fiebre [OR: 4,73 (IC 95%: 1,99-11,27, p = 0,001)]. CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con posible COVID-19 menores de 48 años, sin comorbilidad y con signos vitales normales podrían ser dados de alta desde urgencias sin temor a sufrir complicaciones. Los antecedentes de enfermedad reumatológica, fiebre, sintomas digestivos, frecuencia respiratoria $ 20/min o necesidad de tratamiento con esteroides fueron factores independientes de revisita, y la fiebre y edad $ 48 años de necesidad de ingreso.