The addicted brain: imaging neurological complications of recreational drug abuse. / El cerebro adicto: imagen de las complicaciones neurológicas por el consumo de drogas.

Recreational drug abuse represents a serious public health problem. Neuroimaging traditionally played a secondary role in this scenario, where it was limited to detecting acute vascular events. However, thanks to advances in knowledge about disease and in morphological and functional imaging techniques, radiologists have now become very important in the diagnosis of acute and chronic neurological complications of recreational drug abuse. The main complications are neurovascular disease, infection, toxicometabolic disorders, and brain atrophy. The nonspecific symptoms and denial of abuse make the radiologist's involvement fundamental in the management of these patients. Neuroimaging makes it possible to detect early changes and to suggest an etiological diagnosis in cases with specific patterns of involvement. We aim to describe the pattern of abuse and the pathophysiological mechanisms of the drugs with the greatest neurological repercussions as well as to illustrate the depiction of the acute and chronic cerebral complications on conventional and functional imaging techniques.

Street drugs associated with acute poisoning: description and analysis of differences in women attended in a hospital emergency department. / Drogas de abuso asociadas a las intoxicaciones agudas: descripción global y análisis de las diferencias en mujeres atendidas en el servicio de urgencias.

OBJECTIVES: The prevalence of street drug abuse is difficult to establish in women because of stigma associated with the practice. The main objective of this study was to analyze possible differences between men and women in a sample of patients attended for emergencies due to acute poisonings. The secondary aim was to identify variables associated with severe poisonings defined arbitrarily as requiring intensive care for more than 12 hours after hospital admission. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study in 2 hospital EDs. We included patients over the age of 18 years attended for street drug poisonings between July 1, 2020, and July 31, 2023. Epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory variables were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 1032 patients were studied; 191 (18.5%) were women. The mean (SD) age was 35 years, and the prevalences of acute mental illness and HIV infection were high at 32.2% and 35.7%, respectively. Drug use was recreational in most cases (90.9%). Cocaine, alcohol, and methamphetamines were the substances most often used. Multivariate analysis showed that the factors associated with the seriousness of poisoning were age, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.03 (95% CI, 1.01-1.05; P = .003); HIV (OR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.29-3.41; P = .003); use of benzodiazepines (OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 2.14-5.66; P .0001); and suicidal ideations (OR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.25-3.79; P = .004). CONCLUSION: Differences in poisoning characteristics in women were found, probably related to the younger ages of men in the sample and their higher frequency of alcohol consumption. Public health policies and campaigns to prevent drug abuse should take gender differences into consideration in order to adapt messages to the target populations.

OBJETIVO: La prevalencia del uso de drogas de abuso es difícil de establecer en mujeres, debido a los estigmas asociados a ello. El objetivo principal fue analizar las posibles diferencias de las intoxicaciones agudas (IA) según el sexo en una muestra de pacientes atendidos en dos servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH). El objetivo secundario fue identificar las variables asociadas a las intoxicaciones graves, definidas de forma arbitraria como las que requerían una atención intensiva médica de más de 12 horas y posterior ingreso hospitalario. METODO: Estudio retrospectivo en dos SUH que incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años atendidos por IA por drogas de abuso, en el periodo comprendido entre el 1 de julio 2020 y el 31 de julio 2023. Se recogieron variables epidemiológicas, clínicas y de laboratorio. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 1.032 pacientes, un 18,5% (191) mujeres. La edad media fue de 35 (DE 10) años, con elevada prevalencia de enfermedad mental aguda (32,2%) e infección por VIH (35,7%). El principal motivo de consumo fue lúdico (90,9%). Las principales drogas de abuso fueron cocaína, alcohol y metanfetaminas. El análisis multivariado mostró que únicamente la edad (OR: 1,03, IC 95: 1,01-1,05, p = 0,003), el VIH (OR: 2,10, IC 95: 1,29-3,41, p = 0,003), el consumo de benzodiacepinas (OR: 3,48, IC 95%: 2,14-5,66, p 0,0001), y la ideación autolítica (OR: 1,82, IC 95%: 1,25-3,79, p = 0,004), se asociaron a gravedad de la intoxicación. CONCLUSIONES: Las IA por drogas de abuso en mujeres presentan algunas diferencias en relación a las de los hombres, ya que son más jóvenes y asocian consumo de alcohol con mayor frecuencia. Las campañas de prevención y políticas sanitarias sobre el uso de sustancias deberían tener en cuenta las diferencias en el consumo según el sexo para adaptarlas a la población a las que vayan dirigidas.

Patients with drug-abuse poisoning with and without HIV infection: differential characteristics. / Intoxicaciones por drogas de abuso: características diferenciales en población VIH.

OBJECTIVES: Persons with HIV infection who use illicit drugs have higher morbidity and mortality rates than nonusers with or without HIV infection. The objetive were to detect differences between acute poisoning from illicit drugs in patients with and without HIV infection who are attended in hospital emergency departments, and to identify independent factors associated with a worse prognosis, defined by hospital admission or death. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational study in 2 hospitals between January 2017 and 31 December 2021. Included were patients with acute illicit drug poisoning with and without HIV infection. RESULTS: Information for 1132 patients was included. The mean (SD) ages of patients with and without HIV infection, respectively, were 38.9 (9.6) years and 32.6 (10.4) years. In patients with HIV, the main drugs used were opioids (279 [85.3%]), cocaine (226 [69.1%]), and amphetamines (153 [46.8%]. None in this group were on methadone substitution therapy for opioid addiction. In patients without HIV infection the main drugs were cocaine (372 [47.2%]) and cannabis (238 [33.8%]). Alcohol was used along with illicit drugs in 387 cases. Multivariate analysis showed that the only variables independently associated with a poor prognosis were HIV infection (odds ratio [OR], 2.19 [1.29-3.11], P .003), age (OR, 1.20 [1.01-1.05], P .003), and acute poisoning from benzodiazepines (OR, 3.48 [2.14-5.66], P .001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the model was 0.717. CONCLUSION: Certain characteristics distinguish the illicit drug use of patients with HIV infection. HIV infection, age, and the use of benzodiazepines are independently associated with a poor prognosis in acute poisonings.

OBJETIVO: La población VIH, consumidora de drogas de abuso (DA), tiene mayor morbimortalidad en relación con los no consumidores y no VIH. Se investiga si existen diferencias en las intoxicaciones agudas (IA) por DA, en pacientes VIH y no VIH atendidos en los servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH), y se identifican factores independientes de mal pronóstico, definido por ingreso o fallecimiento. METODO: Estudio bicéntrico y observacional de 1 de enero de 2017 al 31 de diciembre de 2021. Se incluyeron pacientes VIH y no VIH atendido en dos SUH por intoxicación por DA. Se recogieron variables demográficas y la sustancia consumida. La variable de resultado principal fue mal pronóstico, definido como ingreso o muerte a los 30 días. RESULTADOS: Se recogieron 1.132 pacientes. La edad media de los pacientes VIH fue 39 ± 10 años, y 33 ± 10 años para los no VIH. En la población VIH predominaron los opiáceos 279 (85,3%) (ninguno de ellos estaba en tratamiento sustitutivo con metadona), la cocaína 226 (30,9%) y las anfetaminas 153 (69,1%), mientras que en la no VIH predominaron la cocaína 372 (47,2%) y el cannabis 238 (33,8%). El etanol se asoció con otras DA en 387 pacientes. El análisis multivariado mostró que las únicas variables independientes de mal pronóstico fueron el VIH [OR 2,19 (1,29-3,11), p 0,003], la edad [OR 1,20 (1,01-1,05), p 0,003], y la IA por benzodiacepinas (BDZ) [OR 3,48 (2,14-5,66), p 0,001], con un área bajo la curva de la característica operativa del receptor de este modelo de 0,717. CONCLUSIONES: Existen diferencias en las características de las IA en pacientes VIH. La infección VIH, la edad y el consumo de BZD son factores independientes de mal pronóstico en las IA.

Perfil de las víctimas mortales por intoxicaciones agudas en Costa Rica del 2012 al 2021 asociadas al consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y drogas de abuso: etanol, metanol, benzodiacepinas, anfetaminas, heroína, cocaína y mixto / Profile of fatalities due to acute intoxications in Costa Rica from 2012 to 2021 associated with the consumption of psychoactive substances and drugs of abuse: ethanol, methanol, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, heroin, cocaine and mixed

Resumen Introducción: La mortalidad por intoxicaciones agudas de sustancias psicoactivas representa un problema de salud pública, especialmente en personas jóvenes. El objetivo del estudio fue crear un perfil de las víctimas mortales por intoxicación aguda en Costa Rica entre los años 2012 y 2021 asociado al consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y drogas de abuso. Materiales y métodos: Se recopilaron datos de Sección de Patología Forense del Departamento de Medicina Legal en Costa Rica, con los cuales se realizó una revisión de las víctimas mortales por intoxicaciones agudas a partir del 1 de enero de 2012 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2021. La revisión incluyó las siguientes variables: variables epidemiológicas: sexo, edad, nacionalidad, ocupación, estado civil, provincia, consumo frecuente asociado, manera de muerte, tipo de sustancia y lugar de intoxicación. Resultados: De los 456 casos de muertes asociados a intoxicaciones agudas por etanol, metanol, benzodiacepinas, anfetaminas, heroína, cocaína y mixtas; reportados entre el 1 de enero de 2012 y el 31 de diciembre de 2021: el año que más casos reportó fue 2020; 82% de las víctimas fueron hombres y 18% mujeres; las principales edades de las personas reportadas abarcan entre 41 y 60 años. 80% de las personas eran costarricenses; San José fue la provincia con mayor número de casos de intoxicación letal, siendo el domicilio el sitio más frecuente. 14% de las víctimas eran desempleadas; 77% de las personas presentaban algún trastorno de la adicción o consumo frecuente de alguna de las sustancias estudiadas. La mayoría de muertes fueron de manera accidental. Conclusiones: El perfil predominante de las víctimas fue: masculino, entre 41 y 60 años, costarricense, de estado civil indeterminado o soltero, desempleado, que muere de manera accidental, en su domicilio, por intoxicación aguda con alcohol o mixta (alcohol y cocaína).

Abstract Introduction. Mortality from acute poisoning of psychoactive substances represents a public health problem, especially in young adults. The purpose of the study was to create a profile of fatalities due to acute poisoning in Costa Rica between 2012 and 2021 associated with the consumption of psychoactive substances and drugs of abuse. Materials and methods. Data were collected from the Forensic Pathology Section of the Legal Medicine Department in Costa Rica, then a review of fatalities due to acute poisoning was carried out from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2021. The review included the following epidemiological variables: sex, age, nationality, occupation, marital status, province, consumption associated, manner of death, type of substance, and place of intoxication. Results. Out of the 456 reported cases of deaths associated with acute intoxication with ethanol, methanol, benzodiazepines, amphetamines, heroin, cocaine, and mixed substances between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2021: the year with the highest number of cases reported was 2020; 82% of the victims were male, and 18% were female; the main age group of reported victims ranged from 41 to 60 years old. 80% of the victims were Costa Rican, and San Jose was the province with the highest number of lethal intoxication cases, with the home being the most frequent site. 14% of the victims were unemployed, and 77% of the individuals had some addiction disorder or frequent consumption of one of the studied substances. The majority of deaths were accidental. Conclusion. The main profile of the victims was male, between 41 and 60 years old, Costa Rican, of indeterminate or single marital status, unemployed, who died accidentally, at home, due to acute intoxication with alcohol or a mixture of substances (alcohol and cocaine).

Pancreatitis aguda asociada a cocaína, una complicación inusual. Serie de casos / Cocaine-induced acute pancreatitis, an unusual complication. Case serie / Pancreatite aguda associada à cocaína, uma complicação incomum. Número de casos

La cocaína es una de las sustancias ilegales más consumidas y Colombia no es la ex­cepción. Dentro de las sustancias ilegales es la segunda más consumida después del cannabis. Por su mecanismo mismo de acción, que produce aumento de aminas bióge­nas, se han asociado con la cocaína diferentes riesgos, tanto agudos como crónicos, y dentro de sus complicaciones se han descrito cambios comportamentales, compromiso cardiovascular y neurológico. La coingesta de cocaína y alcohol da lugar a un metabolito conocido como cocaetileno, que lleva a complicaciones cardiovasculares. Poco se ha descrito sobre el riesgo de la cocaína o la coingesta cocaína y alcohol, como un factor sumatorio, para la pancreatitis. Reportamos tres pacientes jóvenes consumidores del alcaloide que desarrollaron pancreatitis aguda, dos de ellos murieron. El objetivo de este reporte es sensibilizar a los trabajadores de la salud sobre otro riesgo para considerar en los pacientes consumidores de cocaína.

Cocaine is one of the most consumed illegal substances and Colombia is no exception. It is the second most consumed among the illegal substances after cannabis. Due to its very mechanism of action, which produces an increase in biogenic amines, different risks, both acute and chronic, have been associated with cocaine, and among its complications, behavioral changes, cardiovascular and neurological compromise have been described. The co-ingestion of cocaine and alcohol gives rise to a metabolite known as cocaethylene, which leads to cardiovascular complications. Little has been described about the risk of cocaine or cocaine and alcohol co-ingestion, as a summative factor, for pancreatitis. We report three young patients consuming the alkaloid who developed acute pancreatitis, two of whom died. The objective of this report is to sensitize health workers about another risk to consider in cocaine-consuming patients.

A cocaína é uma das substâncias ilícitas mais consumidas e a Colômbia não é exceção. Dentro das substâncias ilícitas é a segunda mais consumida depois da maconha. Devido ao seu próprio mecanismo de ação, que produz aumento de aminas biogênicas, diversos riscos, tanto agudos quanto crônicos, têm sido associados à cocaína e, entre suas complicações, têm sido descritas alterações comportamentais, comprometimento cardiovascular e neurológico. A co-ingestão de cocaína e álcool dá origem a um metabólito conhecido como cocaetileno, que leva a complicações cardiovasculares. Pouco tem sido descrito sobre o risco da co-ingestão de cocaína ou cocaína e álcool, como fator somativo, para pancreatite. Relatamos 3 pacientes jovens consumindo o alcalóide que desenvolveram pancreatite aguda, dois dos quais morreram. O objetivo deste relatório é sensibilizar os profissionais de saúde sobre outro risco a ser considerado em pacientes consumidores de cocaína.

[Use of urine drug screening in the emergency department of a paediatric hospital]. / Utilidad de las técnicas de cribado de tóxicos en orina solicitadas desde el servicio de urgencias de un hospital pediátrico.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the situations in which urine drug screening is used in a Paediatric Emergency Department (ED). An analysis is also made on its potential usefulness on whether it changes the patient management, and if the results are confirmed by using specific techniques. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective study was conducted on patients under the age of 18 attended in the ED during 2014 and in whom urine drug screening was requested. Depending on the potential capacity of the screening result to change patient management, two groups were defined (potentially useful and not potentially useful). RESULTS: Urine drug screening was performed on a total of 161 patients. The screening was considered not to be potentially useful in 87 (54.0%). This was because the clinical history already explained the symptoms the patient had in 55 (34.1%) patients, in 29 (18.0%) because the patient was asymptomatic, and in 3 (1.9%) because the suspected drug was not detectable in the screening. The drug screening results changed the patient management in 5 (3.1%) cases. A toxic substance was detected in 44 (27.3%). Two out of the 44 that were positive (2.1%) were re-tested by specific techniques, and presence of the toxic substance was ruled out in both of them (false positives). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the drug screening tests are not justified, and it is very infrequent that they change patient management. It is very rare that the results are confirmed using more specific methods. Urine drug screening tests should be restricted to particular cases and if the result has legal implications, or if the patient denies using the drug, it should be followed by a specific toxicological study to provide a conclusive result.

Acute street drug poisoning in the patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection: the role of chemsex. / Intoxicación aguda por drogas de abuso en el paciente VIH: papel del chemsex.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the drugs usually abused in cases of acute poisoning in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of episodes of acute street drug poisoning in HIV-infected patients in our emergency department over a period of 1 year. Chemsex was defined as the use of methamphetamines, -hydroxybutyrate (GHB), -butyrolactone (GBL), and/or mephedrone in order to prolong sexual activity. RESULTS: We included 101 patients, 93 (92%) of whom were men. The drug that caused the most cases of acute poisoning was cocaine, detected in 52 patients (51%). GHB and amphetamines were the next most frequently implicated street drugs. The prevalence of chemsex in this series was 87%. Mortality was 2%. Amphetamine poisoning was related to intensive care unit admission (odds ratio, 9,2 [95% CI, 1.6-52.2], P=.012). CONCLUSION: Cocaine use was the main cause of acute poisoning in this series. The prevalence of chemsex was high.

OBJETIVO: Identificar la principales drogas de abuso que producen intoxicación aguda en el paciente VIH. METODO: Estudio retrospectivo de 1 año evolución de los episodios de intoxicación por drogas de abuso en el paciente VIH en un servicio de urgencias. Se definió chemsex como el consumo de metanfetamina, GHB/GBL o mefedrona para mantener relaciones sexuales prolongadas. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 101 pacientes, 93 (92%) eran varones. La principal droga fue la cocaína en 52 (51%) pacientes, seguida del GHB y anfetaminas. La prevalencia de chemsex fue del 87%. La mortalidad de la serie fue del 2%. El consumo de anfetaminas predijo ingreso en cuidados intensivos: OR 9,2 (IC 95% 1,6-52,2); p = 0,012. CONCLUSIONES: La cocaína fue la principal causa de intoxicación aguda. El chemsex tuvieron una elevada prevalencia.

Cannabis poisoning under the age of 3 years. / Intoxicación por cannabis en menores de 3 años.

EN: The increased use of cannabis among adults and the general perception that cannabis is harmless has been accompanied by a rise in the number of acute poisoning cases among children. We present a retrospective, descriptive study of patients aged 3 years or younger who were treated for cannabis poisoning in a pediatric emergency department between 2012 and 2017. Epidemiologic and clinical data as well as toxicologic findings are reported. We found 10 cases of cannabis poisoning in our records. Nine of the patients had diminished consciousness. Only 2 families initially reported exposure to cannabis when interviewed. Repeated exposure was demonstrated by analysis of hair from 2 patients. We conclude that cannabis poisoning should be included in the differential diagnosis of young children with acute neurologic symptoms of unknown origin. When cannabis is detected in urine samples collected in the pediatric emergency department, more specific diagnostic techniques should be used to assess the possibility of repeated exposure.

ES: El aumento en el consumo de cannabis y su trivialización por la población adulta se han traducido en un aumento de los casos de intoxicaciones agudas en niños. Se presenta un estudio observacional retrospectivo de los pacientes menores de 3 años intoxicados por cannabis entre 2012 y 2017 en un servicio de urgencias pediátricas (SUP). Se recogieron datos epidemiológicos, clínicos y toxicológicos. Se detectaron 10 intoxicaciones por cannabis. Nueve pacientes presentaron alteración en el nivel de conciencia. Solo en 2 casos la familia refirió la exposición al tóxico en la anamnesis inicial. La detección en cabello demostró exposición repetida en 2 pacientes. En conclusión, es necesario incluir la intoxicación por cannabis dentro del diagnóstico diferencial de los niños con clínica neurológica aguda no filiada. Ante la detección de cannabis en orina en el SUP, se debe solicitar la confirmación mediante técnicas específicas y valorar la posibilidad de exposiciones repetidas.

Substance abuse and gender differences in first episode psychosis: Impact on hospital readmissions. / Consumo de sustancias y diferencias de género en personas afectas de un primer episodio psicótico: impacto en los porcentajes de reingreso.

INTRODUCTION: There have been controversial results in the study of gender differences in first episode psychosis (FEP). Substance abuse is the main existing comorbidity in FEP, and has been associated with worse prognosis and greater symptom severity. OBJECTIVES: To explore gender differences in FEP in relation to drug abuse, and their relationship with hospital readmissions. METHODOLOGY: Descriptive and prospective study (18 months). RESULTS: We included 141 patients (31.2% women), aged 26.1 years on average, mostly diagnosed with schizophreniform disorder (32.6%). A percentage of 58.9 had problematic use of drugs. Gender significant differences were found in age of onset, age at entry to the programme, marital status and cohabitation, and percentage differences were revealed in current drug abuse and frequency of consumption. Gender, duration of untreated psychosis, psychiatric history, age of onset and previous drug use were not predictors of re-entry. Hospital readmission rate was 24.8%, with no gender differences. The most common reasons for admission were abandonment of treatment (66.7%) and drug abuse (44.4%). Drug abuse was higher in the men than in the women as a reason for re-admission. CONCLUSIONS: There are gender differences in FEP. Men have an earlier onset of symptoms and have worse functional outcomes. Drug abuse in men is higher and represents a major cause of hospital readmission. Therapeutic interventions to prevent the effects of drug abuse are necessary from the early stages of the illness.

Lesiones dentales por el uso de cocaína / Dental lesions due to the use of cocaine

El consumo, abuso y adicción de sustancias ilícitas, como por ejemplo la cocaína, es uno de los problemas de salud pública más preocupante en nuestro país, con diferentes índices en el conurbano. El uso de cocaína en estos medios produce daños en distintos órganos, entre los cuales podemos mencionar, corazón, cerebro, riñón y también en tejidos duros como los dientes, daños y lesiones a las que haremos referencia en este artículo. El caso presentado en este trabajo es el de un paciente de 21 años, que ingresa a la guardia por traumatismo de cráneo moderado producido por una colisión moto-autobús. Sus familiares no refieren antecedentes de enfermedades previas. Se interna en la Unidad de terapia intensiva; y llama la atención, al realizar el examen físico, las lesiones observadas en los dientes incisivos y premolares de la arcada dentaria superior.

The consumption, abuse, and addiction of illicit substances, such as cocaine, is one of the most worrying public health problems in our country, with different indices in the conurbano. The use of cocaine in these media produces damage to different organs, among which we can mention, heart, brain, kidney and also in hard tissues such as teeth, damage and injuries to which we will refer to this article. The case presented in this work is that of a 21-year-old patient, who enters the guard for moderate skull trauma produced by a motorcycle-autobus collision. His relatives do not refer to a history of previous diseases. It goes into the Intensive Therapy Unit; And it attracts attention, when performing the physical exam, the lesions observed in the incisive and premolars of the upper dental arcade

[Characteristics of emergency poisoning cases in elderly versus younger patients]. / Características diferenciales de las intoxicaciones en los pacientes ancianos atendidos en un servicio de urgencias.

OBJECTIVES: To compare cases of poisoning according to age to detect differences in frequency of visits to the emergency department, patient characteristics, case management, and immediate outcome in terms of related mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive study of a retrospective series of patients who visited a university hospital emergency department for treatment of poisoning between 2009 and 2014. We collected patient characteristics and data related to the event, case management, and poisoning-related death. Patients were grouped according to age (cut-off 65 y). RESULTS: Of a total of 3847 poisoning episodes, 341 (8.9%) were in patients aged 65 years or older. The percentage of women among these older patients (61.3%) was greater than among younger patients (36.3%; P<.001). Poisoning was accidental in older patients more often than younger ones (64.4% vs 9.5%, respectively; P<.001), occurred more often in the home (82.1% vs 37%, P<.001), and more often required active treatment (73.3% vs 57.4%; P<.001) and admission to hospital (21.4% vs 7.3%, P<.001). The related mortality rate was also higher in the older patients (2.1% vs 0.1% in younger patients, P<.001). CONCLUSION: The percentage of poisonings in patients aged 65 years or older is not negligible. Poisoning in patients of advanced age tends to be accidental and take place in the home. Older patients more often require active treatment and hospital admission; poisoning-related death is more common in older patients than younger ones.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar si existen diferencias, en función de la edad, en la frecuencia, las características, el manejo y el resultado inmediato en los episodios con diagnóstico de intoxicación en un servicio de urgencias (SU). METODO: Estudio descriptivo de una serie de casos retrospectivo de las visitas por intoxicaciones atendidas en el SU de un hospital universitario entre 2009 y 2014. Se recogieron datos demográficos, referentes a la intoxicación y su manejo y la mortalidad inmediata relacionada con el episodio. La serie se dividió en función de la edad (punto de corte: 65 años). RESULTADOS: De total de 3.847 episodios de intoxicación, 341 (8,9%) casos fueron en los pacientes de 65 o más años. La mayoría de estos casos, en comparación con los más jóvenes, fueron mujeres (61,3% vs 36,3%; p 0,001), de causa accidental (64,4% vs 9,5%; p < 0,001), ocurrieron en el domicilio (82,1% vs 37%; p < 0,001), precisaron más frecuentemente tratamiento activo (73,3% vs 57,4%; p < 0,001) e ingreso (21,4% vs 7,3%; p < 0,001) y tuvieron mayor mortalidad inmediata (2,1% vs 0,1%; p < 0,001). CONCLUSIONES: El porcentaje de intoxicaciones en pacientes de 65 años o más no es despreciable, suelen ser accidentales y en domicilio, y tienen mayor necesidad de tratamiento activo, hospitalización y mortalidad inmediata.

Internações por álcool e outras drogas: tendências em uma década no estado do Paraná / Internaciones por alcohol y otras drogas: tendencias de una década en el estado de Paraná / Hospitalizations due to alcohol and other drugs: trends in a decade in the state of Paraná

Resumo Objetivo Analisar a tendência das internações hospitalares por álcool e outras drogas em uma década no estado do Paraná. Métodos Estudo ecológico, de série temporal, utilizando o Sistema de Informações Hospitalares do Sistema Único de Saúde. Os dados foram coletados dos registros do estado do Paraná, Região Sul do Brasil, restritos ao período de 2009 a 2018. Buscaram-se registros dos critérios diagnósticos F10 a F19 (uso de álcool e outras drogas), de acordo com a Classificação Estatística Internacional de Doenças e Problemas Relacionados com a Saúde - 10ª edição. Para a análise de tendência, utilizou-se o modelo de regressão polinomial. Resultados Foram registradas 201.377 internações hospitalares por transtornos mentais e comportamentais devido ao uso de álcool e outras drogas, com taxa média de 210,52 internações por 100 mil habitantes. Houve maior taxa de internação do sexo masculino, média 374,24 por 100 mil habitantes, predominio a faixa etária dos 25 a 50 anos para ambos os sexos. Dentre as internações, 56,86% estavam relacionadas a transtornos mentais e comportamentais devido ao uso de álcool. A análise da regressão polinomial revelou tendência decrescente (p=0,003; R2=0,706), com diferenças entre as regiões do Estado. A Macrorregional Leste apresentou a maior taxa de internação (320,25), apenas a regional de Paranaguá apresentou tendência crescente (19,33/ano). Conclusão A taxa das internações apresentou um declínio e a identificação das regiões com maior taxa de internação por abuso de álcool e outras drogas pode fornecer subsídios para a implementação de políticas públicas, com ações de monitoramento e estratégias de prevenção.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar la tendencia de las internaciones hospitalarias por alcohol y otras drogas de una década en el estado de Paraná. Métodos Estudio ecológico, de serie temporal, utilizando el Sistema de Información Hospitalaria del Sistema Único de Salud. Los datos fueron recopilados de los registros del estado de Paraná, región sur de Brasil, restringidos al período de 2009 a 2018. Se buscaron registros de los criterios diagnósticos F10 a F19 (uso de alcohol y otras drogas), de acuerdo con la Clasificación Estadística Internacional de Enfermedades y Problemas Relacionados con la Salud - 10ª edición. Para el análisis de tendencia, se utilizó el modelo de regresión polinomial. Resultados Se registraron 201.377 internaciones hospitalarias por trastornos mentales y comportamentales en función del uso de alcohol y de otras drogas, con un índice promedio de 210,52 internaciones cada 100.000 habitantes. Hubo un índice más alto de internación del sexo masculino, promedio 374,24 cada 100.000 habitantes, predominio del grupo de edad de 25 a 50 años en ambos sexos. El 56,86 % de las internaciones se relacionó con trastornos mentales y de comportamiento en función del uso de alcohol. El análisis de la regresión polinomial reveló una tendencia decreciente (p=0,003; R2=0,706), con diferencias entre las regiones del estado. La Macrorregional Este presentó el índice más elevado de internación (320,25), solamente la regional de Paranaguá presentó una tendencia creciente (19,33/año). Conclusión El índice de las internaciones mostró una caída y la identificación de las regiones con mayor índice de internación por abuso de alcohol y otras drogas puede respaldar la implementación de políticas públicas, con acciones de monitoreo y de estrategias de prevención.

Abstract Objective To analyze the trend of hospitalizations due to alcohol and other drugs in a decade in the state of Paraná. Methods This is an ecological, time series study using the Unified Health System's Hospital Information System. Data were collected from the records of the state of Paraná, southern Brazil, restricted to the period from 2009 to 2018. Diagnostic criteria F10 to F19 (use of alcohol and other drugs) records were sought, according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems - 10th edition. For trend analysis, the polynomial regression model was used. Results There were 201,377 hospitalizations for mental and behavioral disorders due to the use of alcohol and other drugs, with a mean rate of 210.52 hospitalizations per 100,000 inhabitants. There was a higher male hospitalization rate, with a mean of 374.24 per 100,000 inhabitants, predominantly aged 25 to 50 years for both sexes. Among hospitalizations, 56.86% were related to mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol use. Polynomial regression analysis revealed downward trend (p=0.003; R2=0.706), with differences between the state regions. The East Macroregion had the highest hospitalization rate (320.25), only the Paranaguá region had an upward trend (19.33/year). Conclusion The rate of hospitalizations showed a decline and the identification of the regions with the highest rate of hospitalization due to alcohol and other drug abuse can provide subsidies for implementing public policies, with monitoring actions and prevention strategies.

Vulnerability of pregnant women using alcohol and other drugs in low-risk prenatal care / Vulnerabilidad de gestantes que consumen alcohol y otras drogas en el prenatal de bajo riesgo / Vulnerabilidade de gestantes usuárias de álcool e outras drogas em pré-natal de baixo risco

ABSTRACT Objective: to verify the contexts that enhance the dimensions of individual, social, and programmatic vulnerability associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs during pregnancy. Method: qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory, cross-sectional study. Participants were 38 pregnant women who used alcohol and other drugs, at a moderate and severe level, in low-risk prenatal care in the Primary Health Care of two cities in the Metropolitan Region of Maringá - Paraná. Data was collected from, December 2019 to March 2020. The Vulnerability analytical framework guided the discussion. Results: at the individual level, the vulnerability contexts were issues of gender, brown and black ethnicity/color, low education, reproductive period, and high parity. At the social level, the lack of insertion in the job market, family income below the poverty line, abusive intra-family relationships, addictive behavior in the family, and violence in the living community. In the programmatic plan, there was a low demand for health services, lack of welcoming for the treatment of drug use, screening for deficient drug use, low bond with family health teams, absence of dental, psychological, and social services, insertion in the inadequate level of prenatal care, usual risk, while they should have been classified as high risk, and mean prenatal consultations below recommended. Conclusion: the study made it possible to advance in the contexts of the vulnerability of these pregnant women. Recognizing these contexts makes it possible to formulate strategies to reduce harm and damages to maternal and fetal health related to drug use during pregnancy, leading to a favorable gestational outcome.

RESUMEN Objetivo: verificar los contextos que potencian las dimensiones de vulnerabilidad individual, social y programática asociadas al consumo de alcohol y otras drogas durante el embarazo. Método: estudio cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio, transversal. Participaron 38 gestantes que consumían alcohol y otras drogas, en grado moderado y severo, en el prenatal de bajo riesgo en la Atención Primaria de Salud de dos municipios de la Región Metropolitana de Maringá - Paraná. . Los datos se recopilaron desde diciembre de 2019 a marzo de 2020. El marco analítico de Vulnerabilidad orientó la discusión. Resultados: en el plano individual, los contextos de vulnerabilidad detectados fueron: cuestiones de género, raza/color pardo y negro, baja escolaridad, período reproductivo y alta paridad. A nivel social, la falta de inserción en el mercado laboral, ingresos familiares por debajo de la línea de pobreza, relaciones intrafamiliares abusivas, conductas adictivas en la familia y violencia en la comunidad de convivencia. En el plano programático se constató baja demanda de servicios de salud, falta de acogida para el tratamiento del consumo de drogas, rastreo por consumo deficiente de drogas, escasa vinculación con los equipos de salud de la familia, falta de atención odontológica, psicológica y del servicio social, inserción en nivel inadecuado de atención prenatal, clasificación como riesgo habitual, cuando correspondía la clasificación de alto riesgo, y promedio de consultas prenatales por debajo de lo recomendado. Conclusión: el estudio permitió avanzar en los contextos de vulnerabilidad de estas gestantes. El (re)conocimiento de estos contextos permite formular estrategias para reducir los daños y perjuicios a la salud materna y fetal relacionados con el uso de drogas durante el embarazo, lo que conduce a un resultado gestacional favorable.

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar os contextos que potencializam as dimensões de vulnerabilidade individual, social e programática associadas ao uso de álcool e outras drogas durante a gravidez. Método: estudo qualitativo, descritivo e exploratório, com corte transversal. Participaram 38 gestantes usuárias álcool e outras drogas, em nível moderado e grave, em atendimento pré-natal de baixo risco na Atenção Primária à Saúde de dois municípios da Região Metropolitana de Maringá - Paraná. Os dados foram coletados de dezembro de 2019 a março de 2020. O referencial analítico da Vulnerabilidade pautou a discussão. Resultados: no plano individual, os contextos de vulnerabilidade eram questões de gênero, raça/cor parda e preta, baixa escolaridade, período reprodutivo e alta paridade. No plano social, a ausência de inserção no mercado de trabalho, renda familiar na linha da pobreza, relações intrafamiliares abusivas, comportamento aditivo na família e violência na comunidade de convivência. No plano programático encontraram-se baixa procura a serviços de saúde, ausência de acolhimento para o tratamento do uso de drogas, rastreio para o uso de drogas deficitário, baixo vínculo com as equipes da saúde da família, ausência de atendimento odontológico, psicológico e do serviço social, inserção no nível de assistência pré-natal inadequado, risco habitual, enquanto deveriam ter sido classificadas como alto risco, e média de consultas pré-natal abaixo do preconizado. Conclusão: o estudo permitiu avançar nos contextos de vulnerabilidade dessas gestantes. O (re)conhecimento destes contextos possibilita a formulação de estratégias de redução de danos e de agravos à saúde materno fetal relacionados ao uso de drogas durante a gravidez, conduzindo a um desfecho gestacional favorável.

[Drug abuse in nursing students]. / Consumo de drogas en estudiantes de enfermería.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the patterns of substance abuse of students attending the Lugo School of Nursing. METHOD: Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study in the classroom carried out by survey research in April 2015. RESULTS: 61.5% of students participated (185), 83.2% of whom were females. The first addictive substance consumed by participants was tobacco (at 15 years old). In the last month cigarettes were consumed by 36.2% of students, while alcohol was consumed by 89.9% (58.4% of the total got drunk). 2.2% were consuming tranquilizers/hypnotics in the same time period. The most widely used illegal drug was cannabis (17.8%) and then cocaine (2.2%). There is a significant correlation between illegal drug consumption and being male, smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol, living alone or with friends (not family), have poor academic performance and public drinking (botellón). There were no association between illegal drugs and sports or reading. Polydrug use was also studied: a 16.2% declared to have consumed alcohol and cannabis simultaneously, and a 4.9% alcohol and cocaine. CONCLUSIONS: Consumption patterns are similar compared to the general population in that age group, with some of them being higher. Therefore, it is necessary to take measures in order to prevent substance abuse at the university level.

[Toxicology screening in paediatrics]. / Utilidad del cribado toxicológico en pediatría.

The prevalence of acute or chronic exposure to substances of abuse in paediatric patients, from the neonatal period to adolescence, is not well established as most cases go unnoticed. Regardless of clinical cases of acute poisoning leading to visits to emergency room, the exposure is usually detected by a questionnaire to the parents or children. In the last few years, new validated analytical methodologies have been developed in order to detect parent drugs and their metabolites in different biological matrices. These biological matrices have different time windows for detection of the exposure: acute (i.e., urine, blood, oral fluid), and chronic (i.e., hair, meconium or teeth). The aim of this paper was to review the scenarios where the use of biological matrices is indicated for the detection of acute or chronic exposure to substances of abuse.

[Implications of psychoactive substances on the health of men deprived of liberty]. / Implicaciones del consumo de sustancias psicoactivas sobre la salud de hombres privados de libertad.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the frequency of the use of alcohol and other drugs, as well as different types of victimization in men deprived of liberty in the prisons of Castile-La Mancha (Spain). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of men deprived of liberty in four prisons in Castile-La Mancha. An anonymous questionnaire on victimization was distributed among a total of 425 prisoners, with a confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: The most commonly reported assaults were verbal, affecting 41.4% of the prisoners (n=176) and the least common were sexual, affecting 7.8% (n=33). The most commonly consumed substance was cannabis, with 40.2% (n=171) of prisoners consuming it in the previous month. CONCLUSIONS: Victimization and substance use is a reality in prisons, and there is a statistically significant association between the two phenomena. This association should be further studied to design preventive measures and improve prison life.

Análise dos óbitos decorrentes de intoxicação ocorridos no Brasil de 2010 a 2015 com base no Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM) / Analysis of deaths by intoxication that occurred in Brazil from 2010 to 2015 based on the Mortality Information System (SIM)

Resumo Muitos estudos analisam o perfil epidemiológico dos óbitos causados por um único agente tóxico. No entanto, análises mais amplas da mortalidade podem ser obtidas avaliando múltiplos agentes em um mesmo período de tempo. Com esse objetivo, foi realizado um estudo descritivo retrospectivo dos óbitos decorrentes de intoxicações ocorridos de 2010 a 2015 no Brasil, registrados pelo SIM. Os óbitos foram selecionados de acordo com os códigos da CID-10 relacionados a intoxicações. Foram registrados pelo SIM, no período do estudo, 18.247 óbitos decorrentes de intoxicação, resultando em crescimento de 3% no coeficiente de mortalidade. Os agentes que mais causaram óbitos foram os agrotóxicos (24%) seguidos dos medicamentos (23%) e das drogas de abuso (22%). Com exceção dos medicamentos, em que a participação do sexo feminino foi de 52%, verificou-se maior concentração do sexo masculino para todos os agentes e na maioria das faixas etárias. Somente para os medicamentos e agrotóxicos, o suicídio foi a principal circunstância dos óbitos. Os resultados apresentados foram capazes de delinear um perfil de mortalidade para cada um dos principais agentes tóxicos estudados.

Abstract Many studies analyze the epidemiological profile of deaths caused by a single toxic agent. However, broader mortality analyses can be obtained by evaluating multiple agents over the same period of time. For this purpose, a retrospective descriptive study was carried out of the deaths by intoxication registered in the Mortality Information System that occurred in Brazil from 2010 to 2015. Deaths were selected according to ICD-10 codes related to intoxication. There were 18,247 deaths and an increase of 3% of rates of mortality by intoxication during the period. The agents that caused the most deaths were pesticides (24%) followed by medication (23%) and street drugs (22%). With the exception of medication, where the female participation was 52%, there was a higher concentration of males for all agents and in most of the age groups. Only in the case of medication and pesticides was suicide the main circumstance of deaths. The results presented made it possible to define a mortality profile for each of the major toxic agents studied.

[Prevalence and predictors of psychoactive substance use among men in prisons]. / Prevalencia y predictores del consumo de sustancias psicoactivas entre varones en prisión.

OBJECTIVE: The use of psychoactive substances among the prison population is an important public health issue because of its magnitude and health consequences. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of psychoactive substance use among the prison population and to analyse its association with sociodemographic and penitentiary factors, particularly the size of the prison. METHODS: Data were gathered using a self-administered questionnaire among 2,484 random male inmates in eight prisons of different sizes in Spain. The prevalence of psychoactive substance use with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) during the last 6 months in prison were estimated. Prevalence ratios were used to estimate the association between psychoactive substance use and sociodemographic and penitentiary characteristics. RESULTS: The prevalence of psychoactive substance use in the past 6 months in prison was 59.9% (95% CI: 57.9-62.0). Notable among the sociodemographic variables associated with substance use were drug consumption prior to imprisonment (6.90; 95% CI: 5.51-8.65) and recidivism in prison (2.41; 95% CI: 2.04-2.85). The largest prisons showed a higher frequency of drug use than other prisons. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of psychoactive substance use was found in prisons and significant differences were found according to delinquent profile and the size of the prison.

Because of the baby: reduction on drug use during pregnancy / Por causa do bebê: redução do uso de drogas por gestantes

Abstract Objectives: evaluate changes in the use of psychoactive substances (PAS) throughout pregnancy. Methods: longitudinal study, with pregnant women users of PAS at a prenatal follow-up. Results: 76 pregnant women used: tobacco (84.2%, n=64), alcohol (73.7%, n=56), cocaine (27.6%, n=21), marijuana (26.3%, n=20) and crack (13.1%, n=10). Spontaneous interruption had occurred in 60% (n=6) of crack users, 57.1% (n=12) of cocaine and 50% (n=28) of alcohol. After the Brief Intervention, 78.9% (15 of the total of 19) of alcohol users and 70% (7 of the total of 10) of marijuana users discontinued the consumption and there was a reduction in smoking cigarettes. Conclusions: the spontaneous reduction in the consumption of PAS and after the interventions, pregnancy is a window of opportunity to reduce the use of drugs.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar mudanças no uso de substâncias psicoativas (SPA) durante a gravidez. Métodos: estudo longitudinal, com gestantes usuárias de SPA em seguimento pré-natal. Resultados: 76 gestantes, que utilizavam: tabaco (84,2%, n=64), álcool (73,7%, n=56), cocaína (27,6%, n=21), maconha (26,3%, n=20) e crack (13,1%, n=10). Houve interrupção espontânea em 60% (n=6) das usuárias de crack, 57,1% (n=12) de cocaína e 50% (n=28) de álcool. Após Intervenção Breve, cessaram o consumo 78,9% (15 do total de 19) das usuárias de álcool e 70% (7 do total de 10) de maconha, e as tabagistas diminuíram o número de cigarros. Conclusões: a redução do consumo de SPA espontânea e após intervenções reforçam a gravidez como janela de oportunidade para abordagem do uso de drogas.

[A prospective study of drug-facilitated sexual assault in Barcelona]. / Estudio prospectivo de la sumisión química con finalidad sexual en Barcelona.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and characteristics of suspected drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA) among the victims of sexual assault in Barcelona. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective study of every adult consulting an emergency service because of alleged sexual assault and receiving forensic assessment in the city of Barcelona in 2011. RESULTS: A total of 35 of 114 cases (30.7%) met suspected DFSA criteria. Compared with the other victims, suspected DFSA cases were more likely to experience amnesia, to have been assaulted by night, after a social situation and by a recently acquainted man, to have used alcohol before the assault and to be foreigners. In this group ethanol was detected in blood or urine in 48.4% of analyzed cases; their mean back calculated blood alcohol concentration was 2.29g/l (SD 0.685). Also, at least one central nervous system drug other than ethanol was detected in 60,6%, mainly stimulant drugs of abuse. CONCLUSIONS: Suspected DFSA is frequent among victims of alleged sexual assault in Barcelona nowadays. The depressor substance most commonly encountered is alcohol, which contributes to victims' vulnerability.