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Middlekauff HR, Cooper ZD, Strauss SB. Drugs of Misuse: Focus on Vascular Dysfunction. Can J Cardiol 2022; 38:1364-1377. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cjca.2022.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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2
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White CM, Browne T, Nafziger AN. Inherent Dangers of Using Non-US Food and Drug Administration-Approved Substances of Abuse. J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 61 Suppl 2:S129-S141. [PMID: 34396559 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Use of US Food and Drug Administration-approved substances of abuse has innate risks due to pharmacologic and pharmacokinetic properties of the medications, but the risk when using nonapproved drug products is much greater. Unbeknownst to the user, the dose of active ingredients in substances of abuse can vary substantially between different products because of manufacturing practices or improper storage. Even naturally occurring substances of abuse can have extensive dosage variability because of effects of the growing season and conditions, or differences in harvesting, storage, or manufacture of the finished products. Many illicit substances are adulterated, to make up for intentional underdosing or to enhance the effect of the intended active ingredient. These adulterants can be dangerous and produce direct cardiovascular, neurologic, hematologic, or dermatologic reactions or obscure adverse effects. Finally, an illicit substance can be contaminated or substituted for another one during its manufacture, leading to differences in adverse events, adverse event severity, or the drug interaction profile. Substances can be contaminated with microbes that induce infections or heavy metals that can damage organs or cause cancer. This milieu of undisclosed substances can also induce drug interactions. For reasons that are discussed, individuals who use substances of abuse are at increased risk of morbidity or mortality if they develop coronavirus disease 2019. Health professionals who treat patients with acute, urgent events associated with substances of abuse, or those treating the chronic manifestations of addiction, need to appreciate the complex and variable composition of substances of abuse and their potential health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Michael White
- Pharmacy Practice, University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, Storrs, Connecticut, USA.,HOPES Research Group, UConn and Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
| | - Thom Browne
- Rubicon Global Enterprises & Colombo Plan Secretariat, Huachuca City, Arizona, USA
| | - Anne N Nafziger
- Bertino Consulting, Schenectady, New York, USA.,Department of Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Midthun KM, Nelson LS, Logan BK. Levamisole-a Toxic Adulterant in Illicit Drug Preparations: a Review. Ther Drug Monit 2021; 43:221-228. [PMID: 33298746 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Discovered in the 1960s, the common anthelminthic levamisole has seen widespread use in veterinary applications. Its use rapidly expanded thereafter to include human medical treatments for a variety of acute and chronic disorders. Because of reports of severe adverse effects, the US Food and Drug Administration withdrew levamisole's approval for human use in 2000; however, medical options outside the United States and illicit options worldwide allow continued accessibility to levamisole. The compound is rapidly metabolized in the body, with at least 2 known active metabolites. Levamisole has a broad range of immunomodulatory effects, including both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on immune responses. It is generally well tolerated at therapeutic concentrations, although a variety of autoimmune-related adverse effects have been reported, including agranulocytosis, leukopenia, purpura, and visible necrotized skin tissue. Individuals with levamisole-compromised immune systems are more susceptible to infections, including COVID-19. Since the early 2000's, levamisole has been frequently used as an adulterating agent in illicit street drugs, especially cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin. Although its prevalence has varied over time and geographically, levamisole has been detected in up to 79% of the street supply of cocaine at levels up to 74% by weight. Its presence in illicit drug markets also raises concern over the potential for exposure of children and neonates, although this is supported by only limited anecdotal evidence. Levamisole is not currently included in routine drug testing panels, although a variety of confirmatory testing techniques exist across a range of antemortem and postmortem specimen options. Because of its varying presence in illicit drug markets, both the medical and forensic communities need to be aware of levamisole and its potential impact on toxicological investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lewis S Nelson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey; and
| | - Barry K Logan
- NMS Labs, Horsham, Pennsylvania
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE) at the Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, Pennsylvania
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4
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Underner M, Peiffer G, Perriot J, Jaafari N. Republication de : Complications pulmonaires chez les consommateurs de cocaïne. JOURNAL EUROPÉEN DES URGENCES ET DE RÉANIMATION 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jeurea.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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Lelièvre B, Suply B, Schmitt F, Marcorelles P, Drevin G, Maillart CR. A fatal case after an intravenous injection of levamisole. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2020; 17:130-135. [PMID: 33180273 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-020-00336-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Levamisole is a drug originally prescribed as an antihelmintic. Because of the occurrence of severe cases of agranulocytosis and leukoencephalitis it was removed from the French market in 1998 for human use, while it remains available for veterinary use. Nowadays in France its only use in humans is regulated by authorization for temporary use for its immunomodulatory properties in the treatment of nephritic syndrome.A 52-year-old man was found dead at his farm. Injection points were observed on his arm and a syringe containing a dark orange-brown liquid was found near the body. At his home, the discovery of a letter highlighted suicidal intent. Analysis of the aforementioned liquid, peripheral blood and urine confirmed the unique presence of levamisole. The femoral blood concentration of levamisole was of 25 mg/L whereas the femoral blood concentrations reported in cases of fatalities after cocaine use do not exceed 0.0056 mg/L. In humans, levamisole can be detected in biological samples after cocaine use as this drug is also an adulterant and one of its metabolites (aminorex) seems to have amphetamine-like properties. In this case, the man consumed levamisole from time to time for its stimulant and strengthening effects.Cases of fatal poisoning using levamisole are very rare and poorly documented, which makes the interpretation of postmortem blood levamisole concentration difficult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bénédicte Lelièvre
- Pharmacology-Toxicology Laboratory, CHU Angers, 49933, Angers, France. .,Groupe d'Etude Des Interactions Hôte-Pathogène, UNIV Angers, UNIV Brest, Institut de Biologie en Santé-IRIS, (EA 3142) SFR ICAT 4208 , Angers, France.
| | - Benoit Suply
- Forensic Unit of CHU Brest, Antenne GHBS Lorient, Lorient, France
| | | | | | - Guillaume Drevin
- Pharmacology-Toxicology Laboratory, CHU Angers, 49933, Angers, France
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6
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Underner M, Peiffer G, Perriot J, Jaafari N. [Pulmonary complications in cocaine users]. Rev Mal Respir 2019; 37:45-59. [PMID: 31883817 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2019.11.641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Cocaine can be responsible for many psychiatric and/or somatic disorders. The aim of this systematic literature review of data was to expose relations between cocaine use and pulmonary complications. Cocaine can be responsible for acute respiratory symptoms (cough, black sputum, hemoptysis, dyspnea, wheezing, chest pain) and for various pulmonary disorders including barotrauma (pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, pneumopericardium), airway damage, asthma, bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia, acute pulmonary edema, alveolar hemorrhage, alveolar pneumonia with carbonaceous material, bullous emphysema, acute eosinophilic pneumonia, pulmonary granulomatosis caused by talc or cellulose, interstitial pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis, vasculitis, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism and pulmonary infarction, mycotic pulmonary arterial aneurysms, septic emboli, aspiration pneumonia, community-acquired pneumonia, HIV-related opportunistic infections, latent tuberculosis infection, pulmonary tuberculosis, lung cancer and crack lung. Some of these complications are serious and may have a fatal outcome. Pulmonary function tests, thoracic tomodensitometry, bronchial fibroscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and lung scintigraphy may be an aid to the diagnosis of these pulmonary compications. Cocaine use must be sought in case of respiratory symptoms in young persons.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Underner
- Unité de recherche clinique Pierre-Deniker, centre hospitalier Henri-Laborit, université de Poitiers, 370, avenue Jacques-Cœur, CS 10587, 86021 Poitiers cedex, France.
| | - G Peiffer
- Pneumologie, CHR Metz-Thionville, CHR Mercy, 57085 Metz cedex 3, France
| | - J Perriot
- Dispensaire Émile-Roux, centre de tabacologie, 63100 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - N Jaafari
- Unité de recherche clinique Pierre-Deniker, centre hospitalier Henri-Laborit, université de Poitiers, 370, avenue Jacques-Cœur, CS 10587, 86021 Poitiers cedex, France
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Handley SA, Belsey SL, Couchman L, Flanagan RJ. Plasma and Urine Levamisole in Clinical Samples Containing Benzoylecgonine: Absence of Aminorex. J Anal Toxicol 2019; 43:299-306. [PMID: 30590551 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bky102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aminorex has been reported as a metabolite of levamisole in man, but data on the aminorex concentrations in clinical samples are scant. We thus measured levamisole, aminorex and benzoylecgonine in urine, and levamisole and aminorex in plasma using achiral liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. Centrifuged urine (50 μL) was diluted with LC eluent containing internal standard (benzoylecgonine-D3, 25 μg/L) (450 μL). For plasma, sample (200 μL) and Tris solution (2 mol/L, pH 10.6, 100 μL) were added to a 60.5 × 7.5 mm i.d. glass test tube. Internal standard solution (ketamine-D4, 200 μg/L) (10 μL) was added and the tube contents vortex-mixed (5 s). Butyl acetate:butanol (9 + 1, v/v; 200 μL) was added and after vortex-mixing (30 s) and centrifugation (13,680 × g, 4 min), the extract was evaporated to dryness and reconstituted in 10 mmol/L aqueous ammonium formate containing 0.1% (v/v) formic acid (150 μL). Prepared samples and extracts (100 μL) were analyzed using an AccucoreTM Phenyl-Hexyl column (2.6 mm a.p.s., 100 × 2.1 mm i.d.) maintained at 40°C. MS detection was in positive mode using heated electrospray ionization (ThermoFisher Q-ExactiveTM). Intra- and inter-assay accuracy and precision were ±20%, and ≤11%, respectively, for all analytes in both matrices. Lower limits of quantitation were 0.1 and 1 μg/L (all analytes) in plasma and urine, respectively. Of 100 consecutive urine samples submitted for drugs of abuse screening containing benzoylecgonine, levamisole was detected in 72 (median 565, range 4-72,970 μg/L). Levamisole was also measured in eight plasma samples (median 10.6, range 0.9-64.1 μg/L). A number of metabolites of levamisole (4-hydroxylevamisole, levamisole sulfoxide, levamisole glucuronide, and hydroxylevamisole glucuronide) were tentatively identified in urine. Neither aminorex, nor any of its reported metabolites were detected in any sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Handley
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - S L Belsey
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - L Couchman
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - R J Flanagan
- Toxicology Unit, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Abstract
Aminorex (5-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-2-amine) and 4-methylaminorex (4-methyl-5-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-2-amine) are psychostimulants that have long been listed in Schedules IV and I of the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971. However, a range of psychoactive analogues exist that are not internationally controlled and therefore often classified as new psychoactive substances (NPS). Aminorex analogues encompass failed pharmaceuticals that reemerged as drugs of abuse, and newly synthesized substances that were solely designed for recreational use by clandestine chemists. NPS, sometimes also referred to as "designer drugs" in alignment with a phenomenon arising in the early 1980s, serve as alternatives to controlled drugs. Aminorex and its derivatives interact with monoaminergic neurotransmission by interfering with the function of monoamine transporters. Hence, these compounds share pharmacological and neurochemical similarities with amphetamines and cocaine. The consumption of aminorex, 4-methylaminorex and 4,4'-dimethylaminorex (4-methyl-5-(4-methylphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1,3-oxazol-2-amine) has been associated with adverse events including death, bestowing an inglorious fame on aminorex-derived drugs. In this Review, a historical background is presented, as well as an account of the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of aminorex and various analogues. Light is shed on their misuse as drug adulterants of well-established drugs on the market. This Review not only provides a detailed overview of an abused substance-class, but also emphasizes the darkest aspect of the NPS market, i.e., deleterious side effects that arise from the ingestion of certain NPS, as knowledge of the pharmacology, the potency, or the identity of the active ingredients remains obscure to NPS users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Maier
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Währingerstraße 13A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Felix P. Mayer
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Währingerstraße 13A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Simon D. Brandt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Byrom Street, Liverpool, L3 3AF, UK
| | - Harald H. Sitte
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Währingerstraße 13A, 1090, Vienna, Austria
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Pope JD, Drummer OH, Schneider HG. The cocaine cutting agent levamisole is frequently detected in cocaine users. Pathology 2018; 50:536-539. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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10
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Analysis of illicit drugs seized in the Province of Florence from 2006 to 2016. Forensic Sci Int 2018; 284:194-203. [PMID: 29408729 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Comprehension of illicit drug market's features at local level is useful to plan and to correctly set-up specific informative and contrast activities. In this paper we report trends, purities and consumption estimations of illicit substances available on the Florentine territory from 2006 to 2016. These data were obtained by the analysis of 10,451 samples seized by the Law Enforcement Agencies in case of personal use offence. Analytical procedures consisted in targeted and untargeted analyses by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The most detected substances were: cannabis (78.0%; resin: 51.7%; herb: 26.3%), cocaine (10.4%), opiates (6.6%; heroin: 6.5%; morphine: 0.1%), ketamine (1.4%), amphetamines (1.3%; 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine - MDMA -: 0.7%; methamphetamine: 0.6%; amphetamine: <0.1%) and methadone (1.3%). Cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine purities were higher than their mean values estimated for the Italian and European market, while THC content in cannabis seizures was unexpectedly below the European mean values. Starting from 2015, a total of 5 new psychoactive substances (NPS) were detected in seized material, mainly composed of white powders (pentedrone, 3-methylmethcathinone, 4-fluoroamphetamine, methoxethamine and AB-FUBINACA). Most of the seizures (75.5%) were from young male adults (14-34 years old). These data contribute to highlight new trends in the illicit drug market in the Tuscany area, but also to verify the persistence of old habits of drug consumption, confirming the need for more effective counteraction and prevention plans, especially among young people, where the diffusion of the legal highs is worrisome, also in consideration of the young age and the unconsciousness of the possible health effects.
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Solomon N, Hayes J. Levamisole: A High Performance Cutting Agent. Acad Forensic Pathol 2017; 7:469-476. [PMID: 31239995 DOI: 10.23907/2017.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Levamisole is an imidazothiazole chemical most frequently used as an antihelminthic agent in cattle. Over the last decade, levamisole has been increasingly encountered as an additive in both powder and crack cocaine. A white powder with a "fish scale" appearance, the chemical is physically similar to powder cocaine. In vivo, levamisole is metabolized to aminorex, a compound with amphetamine-like psychostimulatory properties and a long half-life; a priori, this property allows levamisole to potentiate and prolong the stimulatory effects of cocaine while bulking up the drug to increase profit for the dealer. As use of cocaine cut with levamisole becomes more prevalent, complications directly attributable to the chemical are increasingly being recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Solomon
- St. George's University School of Medicine, Windward Islands Research and Education Foundation
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12
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Adverse effects of levamisole in cocaine users: a review and risk assessment. Arch Toxicol 2017; 91:2303-2313. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-1947-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Karch SB, Busardò FP, Vaiano F, Portelli F, Zaami S, Bertol E. Levamisole adulterated cocaine and pulmonary vasculitis: Presentation of two lethal cases and brief literature review. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 265:96-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Peyrière H, Eiden C, Mallaret M, Victorri-Vigneau C. Medical complications of psychoactive substances with abuse risks: Detection and assessment by the network of French addictovigilance centres. Therapie 2016; 71:563-573. [PMID: 27499243 DOI: 10.1016/j.therap.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The use of psychoactive substances, whether occasional or regular, can induce a large number of clinical and/or biological complications. These complications may be related to the effects of the active substance itself and/or adulterants, but also to the modalities for use (administrations route, contexts of use). The detection and evaluation of these potentially severe complications are a public health issue. Beyond the assessment of the potential for abuse of and dependence on psychoactive substances, the collection and evaluation of complications related to the use of the substances are one of the roles of addictovigilance centres. In this article, the expertise of the French addictovigilance centres in the detection and assessment of medical complications related to psychoactive substances, adulterants or route of administration of substances is advanced through a few recent examples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Peyrière
- Département de pharmacologie médicale et toxicologie, centre hospitalier universitaire, 191, avenue du Doyen-Gaston-Giraud, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France.
| | - Céline Eiden
- Département de pharmacologie médicale et toxicologie, centre hospitalier universitaire, 191, avenue du Doyen-Gaston-Giraud, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France
| | - Michel Mallaret
- Centre d'addictovigilance, centre hospitalier universitaire, 38043 Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Victorri-Vigneau
- Département de pharmacologie clinique, centre d'addictovigilance, centre hospitalier universitaire, 44093 Nantes, France
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Jamey C, Kintz P, Raul JS. Lévamisole et cocaïne : une association à surveiller. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2015.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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17
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Karch SB, Vaiano F, Bertol E. Levamisole, Aminorex, and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Review. RAZAVI INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2015. [DOI: 10.17795/rijm28277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Nolan AL, Jen KY. Pathologic manifestations of levamisole-adulterated cocaine exposure. Diagn Pathol 2015; 10:48. [PMID: 25943359 PMCID: PMC4419488 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-015-0279-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 04/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
ᅟ Rheumatic manifestations of cocaine have been well described, but more recently, a dramatic increase in the levamisole-adulterated cocaine supply in the United States has disclosed unique pathologic consequences that are distinct from pure cocaine use. Most notably, patients show skin lesions and renal dysfunction in the setting of extremely high perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (p-ANCA). Unexpectedly, antibodies to myeloperoxidase, the typical target of p-ANCA, are relatively low if at all present. This discrepancy is due to the fact that p-ANCA seen in association with levamisole-adulterated cocaine exposure is often directed against atypical p-ANCA-associated antigens within the neutrophil granules such as human neutrophil elastase, lactoferrin, and cathepsin G. Biopsies of the skin lesions reveal leukocytoclastic vasculitis often involving both superficial and deep dermal vessels. Renal injury most typically manifests as crescentic and necrotizing pauci-immune glomerulonephritis. In this review, the manifestations of levamisole-adulterated cocaine-induced vasculitis are discussed with an emphasis on the typical histomorphologic findings seen on biopsy. Virtual Slides The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1764738711370019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber L Nolan
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0102, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Kuang-Yu Jen
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, Box 0102, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Jamey C, Kintz P, Raul JS. Poisoning of a child by levamisole: Evidence by hair testing. TOXICOLOGIE ANALYTIQUE ET CLINIQUE 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.toxac.2014.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Eiden C, Diot C, Mathieu O, Mallaret M, Peyrière H. Levamisole-Adulterated Cocaine: What about in European Countries? J Psychoactive Drugs 2014; 46:389-92. [DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2014.959215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Eiden
- Pharmacist, Centre for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependance-Addictovigilance, Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, University Hospital of Montpellier, France
| | - Caroline Diot
- Pharmacist, Centre for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependance-Addictovigilance, Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, University Hospital of Montpellier, France
| | - Olivier Mathieu
- Assistant Professor in Medical Pharmacology, Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, University Hospital of Montpellier, UM1, Montpellier, France
| | - Michel Mallaret
- Head of Pharmacology Department, Centre for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependance-Addictovigilance, Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, University Hospital of Grenoble, Grenoble, France
| | - Hélène Peyrière
- Assistant Professor in Clinical Pharmacy, Centre for Evaluation and Information on Pharmacodependance-Addictovigilance, Medical Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, University Hospital of Montpellier, UM1, Montpellier, France
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