Drinking to death: Hyponatraemia induced by synthetic phenethylamines

• Tipo: Outra Publicação em Revista Científica Internacional
• Data: 2020

Autores

Faria, AC (Autor) Outra; Helena Carmo (Autor) FFUP; Carvalho, F (Autor) Outra; Silva, JP (Autor) Outra; Bastos, MDL (Autor) Outra; Dias da Silva, D (Autor) Outra

Revista

Título: Drug and Alcohol Dependence

Vol. 212

ISSN: 0376-8716

Editora: Elsevier

Indexação

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citações

Scopus - 2 Citações

Outras Informações

ID Authenticus: P-00S-2TP

DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108045

Abstract (EN): Synthetic phenethylamines are widely abused drugs, comprising new psychoactive substances such as synthetic cathinones, but also well-known amphetamines such as methamphetamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy). Cathinones and amphetamines share many toxicodynamic mechanisms. One of their potentially life-threatening consequences, particularly of MDMA, is serotonin-mediated hyponatraemia. Herein, we review the state of the art on phenethylamine-induced hyponatremia; discuss the mechanisms involved; and present the preventive and therapeutic measures. Hyponatraemia mediated by phenethylamines results from increased secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and consequent kidney water reabsorption, additionally involving diaphoresis and polydipsia. Data for MDMA suggest that acute hyponatraemia elicited by cathinones may also be a consequence of metabolic activation. The literature often reveals hyponatraemia-associated complications such as cerebral oedema, cerebellar tonsillar herniation and coma that may evolve to a fatal outcome, particularly in women. Ready availability of fluids and the recommendation to drink copiously at the rave scene to counteract hyperthermia, often precipitate water intoxication. Users should be advised about the importance of controlling fluid intake while using phenethylamines. At early signs of adverse effects, medical assistance should be promptly sought. Severe hyponatraemia ( < 130 mmol sodium/L plasma) may be corrected with hypertonic saline or suppression of fluid intake. Also, clinicians should be made aware of the hyponatraemic potential of these drugs and encouraged to report future cases of toxicity to increase knowledge on this potentially lethal outcome.

Idioma: Inglês

Tipo (Avaliação Docente): Científica

Nº de páginas: 14