Acute kidney injury associated with smoking synthetic cannabinoid

Abstract

Whether caused by direct toxicity, genetic predisposition, or an as-yet unidentified nephrotoxin, this association between synthetic cannabinoid exposure and acute kidney injury reinforces the need for vigilance to detect new toxicologic syndromes associated with emerging drugs of abuse. Liquid chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry are useful tools in determining the active ingredients in these evolving products and evaluating them for toxic contaminants.

Synthetic cannabinoid hyperemesis resulting in rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure

“…Other explanations for rhabdomyolysis include contamination of the recreational product used by the patient and rhabdomyolysis secondary to the hyperemesis-induced electrolyte abnormalities. Importantly, reports in the literature directly implicate synthetic cannabinoids as a cause of renal damage [4,5]. In the absence of a kidney biopsy and given the negative urine drug screen, the synthetic cannabinoid product ingested by the patient is the only identifiable cause of the present illness.…”

Not safe for consumption: Synthetic cannabinoids causing fatal acute rhabdomyolysis in two young men

“…In addition, the CDC reported a stark increase of calls regarding effects from SC use by 229% in 2015 from the same January-May period in 2014 [2]. Although it is apparent the prevalence of SC use is on the rise, Buser et al found that young adults and adolescents appear to be unaware of the health risks associated with synthetic cannabinoids [5].…”

Pharmacology and toxicology of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists

“…A further case report regarding a 26 year old male admitted to hospital with AKI and use of "Mr Happy" has been published [97]. He experienced abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and low back pain.…”