Evaluation of the Frequency, Clinical Signs & Prognosis of Drug Abuse in Poisoning Cases Referred to Shiraz Shoushtari Hospital from September 2008 to September 2010

Amphetamine and methamphetamine (MA) abuse is of significant social, economic and public health concern to affected communities and policy makers. While responses have focused upon various perceived severe harms of amphetamine and methamphetamine use, effective public health interventions require a strong scientific evidence base. The aim of this study is to identify the epidemiology of poisonings with these agents in Shiraz Shoushtari hospital.
This was a cross-sectional and retrospective study being performed in Shoushtari hospital during a 24-months period from September 2008 to September 2010. We included all the patients who referred to the hospital with acute poisoning and were diagnosed to have amphetamine and other neuro-stimulator agents poisoning. The demographic information as well as type of consumed toxin, route of consumption, vital signs, clinical signs and the outcomes was recorded using a standard questionnaire. Data were analyzed by SPSS software.
Findings: Overall 9563 patients with acute poisonings referred to our center out of which 544 (5.68%) were neuro-stimulator agents’ poisonings. Out of these 439 (4.59%) were male and 105 (1.1%) were female. Crystal was the most common toxic agent being reported in 46.5% patients. Inhalation was the most common route of consumption being found in 60.8% patients. Crack, cocaine and crystal consumption was associated with male gender while Ritalin and ecstasy consumption were more common among females. Hallucinations were significantly higher in women (P=0.001) while dyspnea was more common among men (P Inhalation was the most common route of consumption which is due to its easy application. The prevalence of inhalation and injection was lower in women compared to men while those agents that can be easily consumed including Ritalin and ecstasy were more common among women. Adverse effects are correlated with type of consumed drug. Consumption of these drugs is considered medical emergencies which should be treated immediately and drug abuse should be considered as important educational subject for young people even for students and schools.