Spice-y Kidney Failure: A Case Report and Systematic Review of Acute Kidney Injury Attributable to the Use of Synthetic Cannabis

Abstract

Spice differs from marijuana because it is a cannabinoid receptor type 1 and 2 agonist. The pathologic mechanism of AKI remains unclear, but the condition likely is attributable to acute tubular necrosis or acute interstitial nephritis, as proven by biopsies performed in previous case series. It is important to raise awareness that a new Spice strain that may be circulating in the Southern California Inland Empire can endanger young users who may develop seizures, respiratory failure, and AKI.

Marijuana medusa: The many pulmonary faces of marijuana inhalation in adolescent males

“…Acute respiratory failure is a common complication of inhalation drug abuse, most commonly from cocaine and amphetamines abuse . An increasing number of cases of respiratory failure from marijuana abuse have been reported in adults . The most common pulmonary injuries from marijuana inhalation are bronchospasm, pneumothorax, and aspergillus infection from contaminated inhalants .…”

“…9,10 An increasing number of cases of respiratory failure from marijuana abuse have been reported in adults. [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] The most common pulmonary injuries from marijuana inhalation are bronchospasm, pneumothorax, and aspergillus infection from contaminated inhalants. 9,19,20 Though rare, reports of tainted forms of marijuana, referred to as "smoking wet" or "fry," leading to respiratory failure requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), have been reported.…”

Adding more “spice” to the pot: A review of the chemistry and pharmacology of newly emerging heterocyclic synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists

“…Similarly, 18 individuals showing signs of reduced levels of consciousness were transferred to local medical centers for emergency care in July 2016 in New York, following the consumption of the indazole SCRA, AMB‐FUBINACA ( 8 ) (Figure ) . SCRA consumption has also been linked with several adverse health effects, including seizures, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), acute kidney injury, myocardial infarction, pulmonary oedema, ischemic stroke, and multiple organ failure . Importantly, the aforementioned adverse effects associated with SCRA use are not typically observed following cannabis consumption .…”

A riddle wrapped in an enigma: acute kidney injury in a girl with Crohn’s disease: Answers

“…Drugs commonly associated with ATN include aminoglycosides, vancomycin, radiocontrast media, calcineurin inhibitors, cisplatin, NSAIDs [16], synthetic cannabinoids [18], and ciprofloxacin [19,20].…”