Drug overdose-induced coma blisters: Pathophysiology and clinical and forensic diagnosis

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Ricardo Jorge Dinis Oliveira (Author) FMUP

Journal

The Journal is awaiting validation by the Administrative Services.

Title: Current Drug Research Reviews

Vol. 11

Pages: 21-25

ISSN: 2589-9775

Publisher: Bentham Science

Indexing

Scopus - 3 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00Q-B3N

DOI: 10.2174/1874473711666180730102343

Abstract (EN): Background: Coma blisters or coma bullae are bullous lesions that have been associated with cases of drug overdose-induced coma. Previous history of suicide attempt by administering benzodiazepines, barbiturates, ethanol, antipsychotics, antidepressants or opioids have been particularly implicated. Patients may present also painful deep skin and soft tissue involvement, edema and functional impairment. The pathophysiology remains unknown and lesions are usually self-limited and typically resolve without scarring. Objective: This work aims to fully review the state of the art regarding the causes pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of drug overdose-induced coma blisters. Conclusion: Coma blisters are a benign, self-limiting condition that should be suspected in patients who develop pressure blisters several hours after an altered state of consciousness. © 2019 Bentham Science Publishers.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Dissemination