Correlation of abdominopelvic computed tomography with clinical manifestations in methamphetamine body stuffers

Abstract

Little is known about methamphetamine body stuffers and correlation of clinical manifestations with imaging studies. Current study was done to determine abdominopelvic computed tomography findings and clinical manifestations in methamphetamine body stuffers. In an IRB-approved routine data base study, demographic characteristics, clinical findings, and CT results of 70 methamphetamine body stuffers were retrieved. According to the clinical manifestations, the patients were categorized into either benign- or severe-outcome group. Also, they were determined to have positive or negative CT results. In the group with positive results, number and place of the baggies were determined, as well. Results of the CT were compared between the two groups. Almost 43% of the patients had positive abdominopelvic CT results. Mean density of the packs was 176.2 ± 152.7 Hounsfield unit. Based on the clinical grounds, 57% of the patients were in the benign- and 33% were in the severe-outcome group. In the benign group, 45% of the patients had positive CTs while in the severe-risk group, this was 40% (p > 0.05). Except variables defined as severe outcome (seizure, intubation, creatinine level, aspartate aminotransferase level, creatine phosphokinase and troponin level), agitation, on-arrival pulse rate, lactate dehydrogenase, bicarbonate, base excess, loss of consciousness and hospitalization period were correlating factors. But in regression analysis, we could not find a significant variable that prognosticate severe outcome. It seems that there is no relationship between the CT findings and clinical manifestations of the methamphetamine body stuffers. Severe outcomes may be observed even in the face of negative CTs.

Oral clonazepam versus lorazepam in the treatment of methamphetamine-poisoned children: a pilot clinical trial

“…The median elapsed time [IQR] between exposure and development of methamphetamine toxicity was one hour [1,2] (30 minutes to 24 hours), and the median [IQR] time between exposure and hospital presentation was five hours [3,6] (one hour to 72 hours; Table 1), according to parental report. Urine methamphetamine was positive in all cases.…”

Oral Clonazepam versus Lorazepam in the Treatment of Methamphetamine-Poisoned Children: A Pilot Clinical Trial

“…The median elapsed time [IQR] between exposure and development of methamphetamine toxicity was one hour [1,2] (30 minutes to 24 hours), and the median [IQR] time between exposure and hospital presentation was ve hours [3,6] (one hour to 72 hours; Table 1), according to parental report. Urine methamphetamine was positive in all cases.…”

“…As depicted in table 1, the median [IQR] treatment response and duration of symptoms was 4 [3,5] hours for all patients with a hospitalization closer to 24-48…”

Clonazepam Versus Lorazepam in the Treatment of Methamphetamine-Poisoned Children: A Pilot Clinical Trial

“…In recent years, Iran has seen a rise in the prevalence of stimulant abuse, including from methamphetamine, methylphenidate, and ecstasy [1,3,4]. The hidden nature of stimulant abuse among family members has also resulted in a dramatic increase in the frequency of accidental stimulant toxicity in children.…”