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Bar N, Lopez-Alonso R, Merhav G, Naaman E, Leiderman M, Ilivitzki A, Lurie Y, Kurnik D, Abadi S. Radiological findings in poisoning by synthetic cannabinoids adulterated with brodifacoum. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:4540-4549. [PMID: 38127072 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10496-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Severe coagulopathy due to consumption of synthetic cannabinoids adulterated with brodifacoum, a long-acting anticoagulant, is an emerging worldwide hazard. Here, we review the spectrum of imaging findings in adulterated cannabinoid poisoning. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this retrospective study, we used the Israeli Poison Information Center database to identify patients with cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy who presented to the Rambam Health Care Campus, where most patients were treated during an outbreak in northern Israel between September 2021 and June 2022. All relevant imaging studies for these patients were reviewed. We estimated the sensitivity of findings for cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy. Associations between a continuous variable and a dichotomous outcome were assessed with the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS We identified 48 patients (mean age 40 years ± 9 [SD], 43 males) with 54 hospitalizations due to cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy. Symptomatic hemorrhage was documented in 50 (93%) cases at presentation, most of whom (78%) had hemorrhage from multiple systems. The most common bleeding site was the genitourinary collecting system, with a characteristic sign of suburothelial bleeding in 16/18 of performed abdominal CTs (sensitivity 89% [CI 65-99%] for cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy). Intramural bowel hematomas were noted in 70% (7/10) of CTs of patients with gastrointestinal bleeding. Incidental bleeding sites were identified on imaging in 24% of patients. An increased number of bleeding sites was associated with need for vasopressors (difference in bleeding sites 3.00 [95% CI 0.99-4.00], p = 0.026). CONCLUSION CT plays a key role in the diagnosis and work-up of adulterated cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy. Characteristic signs include suburothelial hemorrhage and intramural bowel hematomas. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Recognition of radiological signs of adulterated synthetic cannabinoid-associated coagulopathy is critical for optimizing outbreak control on the public health level and ensuring timely treatment on the individual patient level. KEY POINTS • Severe coagulopathy due to consumption of synthetic cannabinoids adulterated with brodifacoum, a long-acting anticoagulant, is an emerging worldwide threat. • Characteristic imaging signs include suburothelial bleeding, intramural bowel hematomas, and rare incidental bleeding sites. • Imaging has a pivotal role in optimizing outbreak control and ensuring timely and appropriate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nitai Bar
- Department of Radiology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel.
| | | | - Goni Merhav
- Department of Radiology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Efrat Naaman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Maxim Leiderman
- Department of Radiology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Anat Ilivitzki
- Department of Radiology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yael Lurie
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Israel Poison Information Center, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Daniel Kurnik
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sobhi Abadi
- Department of Radiology, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
- Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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2
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O'Shea A. Coagulopathy and cannabinoids: what the radiologist should know. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:4538-4539. [PMID: 38133676 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10532-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
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3
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Khayat W, Lehmann C. The Endocannabinoid System: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Coagulopathies. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12060541. [PMID: 35736474 PMCID: PMC9228226 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12060541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal blood coagulation or coagulopathy is a common manifestation of many pathological conditions. It occurs when there is an imbalance between the activities of the coagulation system and the fibrinolytic system, leading to excessive or impaired intravascular blood clot formation, which can disturb blood flow causing ischemia or hemorrhage in the affected tissues. A growing body of evidence has demonstrated blood coagulation abnormalities in association with cannabinoid use, suggesting the involvement of the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS) in modulating blood coagulation. However, the evidence in the literature has been controversial on whether cannabinoids promote or inhibit blood coagulation. The ECS has been extensively studied in recent years for its potential as a therapeutic target for many diseases. This review provides a brief introduction to the ECS and discusses the reported anticoagulatory and procoagulatory effects of various cannabinoids, highlighting some possible mechanisms that might underlie the observed effects. Understanding the coagulatory effects of cannabinoids and the interaction between the coagulation system and the ECS is vital for developing novel therapeutics for coagulopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wujood Khayat
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (W.K.); (C.L.)
| | - Christian Lehmann
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Correspondence: (W.K.); (C.L.)
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4
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de Genover Gil A, Gonzalez Suarez GM, Moret Puig C, Hurtado Ganoza A. Superwarfarin poisoning: challenges still remain. BMJ Case Rep 2022; 15:e248385. [PMID: 35584857 PMCID: PMC9119149 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2021-248385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Superwarfarin (long-acting anticoagulant rodenticide) poisoning should be suspected in unexplained bleeding with prolonged prothrombin time, especially in the absence of another explanation. Diagnosis and treatment of this intoxication remain a challenge as the direct analysis of superwarfarin in serum is not always possible. Therefore, toxin bioavailability remains unknown and close monitoring and treatment for long periods are required to avoid serious bleeding complications. Here, we discuss a case of suspected superwarfarin poisoning to highlight the challenges in early diagnosis and the challenges we encountered in treatment management and ensuring compliance for long periods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carla Moret Puig
- Haematology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
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5
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Sagi V, Mittal A, Tran H, Gupta K. Pain in sickle cell disease: current and potential translational therapies. Transl Res 2021; 234:141-158. [PMID: 33711512 PMCID: PMC8217144 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Pain is a major comorbidity of sickle cell disease (SCD). Patients with SCD may suffer from both acute and chronic pain. Acute pain is caused by recurrent and unpredictable episodes of vaso-occlusive crises (VOC), whereas the exact etiology of chronic pain is still unknown. Opioids are the mainstay for pain treatment, but the opioid epidemic has significantly altered access to prescription opioids and has brought concerns over their long-term use into the forefront, which have negatively impacted the treatment of sickle pain. Opioids remain potent analgesics but growing opioid-phobia has led to the realization of an unmet need to develop nonopioid therapies that can provide relief for severe sickle pain. This realization has contributed to the approval of 3 different drugs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of SCD, particularly to reduce VOC and/or have an impact on the pathobiology of SCD. In this review, we outline the challenges and need for validation of side-effects of opioids and provide an update on the development of mechanism-based translational therapies, specifically targeting pain in SCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Sagi
- School of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Aditya Mittal
- School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Huy Tran
- School of Medicine, Kansas City University, Joplin, Missouri
| | - Kalpna Gupta
- Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine and Southern California Institute for Research and Education, VA Medical Center, Long Beach, California.
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6
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Argueta DA, Aich A, Muqolli F, Cherukury H, Sagi V, DiPatrizio NV, Gupta K. Considerations for Cannabis Use to Treat Pain in Sickle Cell Disease. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E3902. [PMID: 33271850 PMCID: PMC7761429 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9123902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain in Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a major comorbidity and unique with acute pain due to recurrent and episodic vaso-occlusive crises as well as chronic pain, which can span an individual's entire life. Opioids are the mainstay treatment for pain in SCD. Due to recent health crises raised by adverse effects including deaths from opioid use, pain management in SCD is adversely affected. Cannabis and its products are most widely used for pain in multiple conditions and also by patients with SCD on their own. With the availability of "Medical Cannabis" and approval to use cannabis as medicine across majority of States in the United States as well as over-the-counter preparations, cannabis products are being used increasingly for SCD. The reliability of many of these products remains questionable, which poses a major health risk to the vulnerable individuals seeking pain relief. Therefore, this review provides up to date insights into available categories of cannabis-based treatment strategies, their mechanism of action and pre-clinical and clinical outcomes in SCD. It provides evidence for the benefits and risks of cannabis use in SCD and cautions about the unreliable and unvalidated products that may be adulterated with life-threatening non-cannabis compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donovan A. Argueta
- Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA; (D.A.A.); (A.A.); (F.M.); (H.C.)
| | - Anupam Aich
- Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA; (D.A.A.); (A.A.); (F.M.); (H.C.)
| | - Fjolla Muqolli
- Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA; (D.A.A.); (A.A.); (F.M.); (H.C.)
| | - Hemanth Cherukury
- Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA; (D.A.A.); (A.A.); (F.M.); (H.C.)
| | - Varun Sagi
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, MN 55455, USA;
| | - Nicholas V. DiPatrizio
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA;
| | - Kalpna Gupta
- Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA; (D.A.A.); (A.A.); (F.M.); (H.C.)
- Southern California Institute for Research and Education, Long Beach VA Medical Center, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA
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7
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Medical marijuana certification for patients with sickle cell disease: a report of a single center experience. Blood Adv 2020; 4:3814-3821. [PMID: 32790846 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2020002325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
More than one-third of adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) report using cannabis-based products. Many states list SCD or pain as qualifying conditions for medical marijuana, but there are few data to guide practitioners whether or whom should be certified. We postulated that certifying SCD patients may lead to a reduction in opioid use and/or health care utilization. Furthermore, we sought to identify clinical characteristics of patients who would request this intervention. Retrospective data obtained over the study period included rates of health care and opioid utilization for 6 months before certification and after certification. Patients who were certified but failed to obtain medical marijuana were compared with those who obtained it. Patients who were certified were invited to participate in a survey regarding their reasons for and thoughts on certification. Patients who were certified for medical marijuana were compared with 25 random patients who did not request certification. Fifty adults with SCD were certified for medical marijuana and 29 obtained it. Patients who obtained medical marijuana experienced a decrease in admission rates compared with those who did not and increased use of edible cannabis products. Neither group had changes in opioid use. Patients who were certified for medical marijuana had higher rates of baseline opioid use and illicit cannabis use compared with those who did not request certification. Most patients with SCD who requested medical marijuana were already using cannabis illicitly. Obtaining medical marijuana decreased inpatient hospitalizations.
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Foti F, Sica S, Alma E, De Cristofaro R, Mores N, Vetrugno G. Sudden nasal bleeding and brodifacoum: A case of accidental exposure or attempted homicide? Leg Med (Tokyo) 2020; 47:101772. [PMID: 32771937 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2020.101772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A 50-year-old man was admitted to the emergency department with abrupt massive epistaxis. An accurate anamnesis and physical evaluation could not reveal any other anomalies, while coagulation tests showed potentially life threatening prolonged prothrombin time, with activated partial thromboplastin and thrombin time, with fibrinogen and antithrombin III within limits. Despite the prompt pharmacological and compressive local treatment, bleeding continued and the patient was therefore hospitalized. Highly specific coagulation and toxicological testing-among others high-performance liquid chromatography assessment on plasma-were performed, leading to the unexpected identification of brodifacoum. Police and criminal justice authorities revealed the source of exposure to brodifacoum after several months of investigation, residing in his everyday life. Brodifacoum is a long-lasting anticoagulant, acting as a vitamin K antagonist, and belongs to the family of superwarfarins. Brodifacoum use is authorized as rodenticide in many countries worldwide, but has been reported as cause of severe coagulopathies in humans, both intentional or involuntary, even consumed as a contaminant of herbal drugs, such as cannabis. The original contribution of this case to the knowledges of human brodifacoum intoxication resides in the multidisciplinary approach and the collaborative interplay of clinical and toxicology experts as well as judicial authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Foti
- Risk Management Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Simona Sica
- Unit of Vascular Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Alma
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome - Sezione di Ematologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche ed Ematologiche, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Raimondo De Cristofaro
- Servizio Malattie Emorragiche e Trombotiche, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome-Università Cattolica S. Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Nadia Mores
- Unit of Pharmacovigilance, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vetrugno
- Risk Management Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Healthcare Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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9
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Abrams DI, Couey P, Dixit N, Sagi V, Hagar W, Vichinsky E, Kelly ME, Connett JE, Gupta K. Effect of Inhaled Cannabis for Pain in Adults With Sickle Cell Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2010874. [PMID: 32678452 PMCID: PMC7368173 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.10874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by chronic pain and episodic acute pain caused by vasoocclusive crises, often requiring high doses of opioids for prolonged periods. In humanized mouse models of SCD, a synthetic cannabinoid has been found to attenuate both chronic and acute hyperalgesia. The effect of cannabis on chronic pain in adults with SCD is unknown. OBJECTIVE To determine whether inhaled cannabis is more effective than inhaled placebo in relieving chronic pain in adults with SCD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This pilot randomized clinical trial included participants with SCD with chronic pain admitted to a single inpatient clinical research center for 2 separate 5-day stays from August 2014 to April 2017. Participants inhaled either vaporized cannabis (4.4% Δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol to 4.9% cannabidiol) 3 times daily or vaporized placebo cannabis. Pain and pain interference ratings using the Brief Pain Inventory were assessed throughout each 5-day period. Participants with SCD and chronic pain on stable analgesics were eligible to enroll. A total of 90 participants were assessed for eligibility; 56 participants were deemed ineligible, and 34 participants were enrolled. Of these, 7 participants dropped out before randomization. Of 27 randomized participants, 23 completed both treatment arms of the crossover study and were included in the final per protocol analysis. Data analysis was completed in June 2019, with the sensitivity analysis conducted in April 2020. INTERVENTIONS Inhalation of vaporized cannabis plant (4.4% Δ-9-tetrahydrocannbinol to 4.9% cannabidiol) or placebo cannabis plant using a vaporizer 3 times daily for 5 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Daily pain assessed with visual analog scale and Brief Pain Inventory. RESULTS A total of 23 participants (mean [SD] age, 37.6 [11.4] years; 13 [56%] women) completed the trial. The mean (SD) difference in pain rating assessment between the cannabis and placebo groups was -5.3 (8.1) for day 1, -10.9 (7.0) for day 2, -16.5 (9.2) for day 3, -8.9 (6.7) for day 4, and -8.2 (8.1) for day 5; however, none of these differences were statistically significant. There was no statistically significant mean (SD) difference in pain interference ratings between cannabis and placebo between days 1 and 5 for interference in general activities (day 1: 0.27 [0.35]; day 5: -1.0 [0.5]), walking (day 1: 0.14 [0.73]; day 5: -0.87 [0.63]), sleep (day 1: 0.59 [0.74]; day 5: -1.3 [0.8]), or enjoyment (day 1: 0.23 [0.69]; day 5: -0.91 [0.48]), but there was a statistically significant mean (SD) difference in decrease in interference with mood (day 1: 0.96 [0.59]; day 5: -1.4 [0.6]; P = .02). No differences in treatment-related adverse effects were observed. Use of concomitant opioids was similar during both treatment periods. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This randomized clinical trial found that, compared with vaporized placebo, vaporized cannabis did not statistically significantly reduce pain and associated symptoms, except interference in mood, in patients with SCD with chronic pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01771731.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald I Abrams
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Paul Couey
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Niharika Dixit
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Varun Sagi
- Vascular Biology Center, Division of Hematology-Oncology-Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis
| | - Ward Hagar
- UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, California
| | | | - Mary Ellen Kelly
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, University of California, San Francisco
| | - John E Connett
- School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis
| | - Kalpna Gupta
- Vascular Biology Center, Division of Hematology-Oncology-Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis
- Hemtology/Oncology Division, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine
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10
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Giorgetti A, Busardò FP, Tittarelli R, Auwärter V, Giorgetti R. Post-Mortem Toxicology: A Systematic Review of Death Cases Involving Synthetic Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:464. [PMID: 32523555 PMCID: PMC7261860 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) have become the largest group of new psychoactive substances monitored by the European Union Early Warning System. Despite the wide diffusion on the market, data regarding effects, toxicities, and mechanisms as well as toxic/lethal doses are still scarce. METHODS A comprehensive literature search for articles published up to January 2019 was performed in multiple electronic databases. Only cases of death in which toxicological analyses revealed the presence of SCRAs in blood or urine and at least an external examination was performed, including those occurred in emergency departments, were included. RESULTS Of 380 studies identified, 354 were excluded, while 8 additional manuscripts were included through the screening of relevant references cited in the selected articles. A total number of 34 manuscripts (8 case series and 26 case reports) were included. CONCLUSIONS Typical toxic ranges for SCRAs have not been so far identified, and the results of toxicological analyses should be interpreted with caution. In death cases involving SCRAs, a thorough post-mortem examination is a prerequisite to assess the role of the substance use in the deceased and to identify a probable mechanism of death. Even after a comprehensive analysis of clinical, circumstantial, toxicological, and autoptic data, the cause and manner of death remain unclear in some cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Giorgetti
- Legal Medicine and Toxicology, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Excellence SBSP, University Politecnica delle Marche of Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Roberta Tittarelli
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology, SAIMLAL Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Volker Auwärter
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Raffaele Giorgetti
- Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Excellence SBSP, University Politecnica delle Marche of Ancona, Ancona, Italy
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11
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Argueta DA, Ventura CM, Kiven S, Sagi V, Gupta K. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:561. [PMID: 32425793 PMCID: PMC7204604 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), the major non-psychoactive constituent of Cannabis sativa L., has gained traction as a potential treatment for intractable chronic pain in many conditions. Clinical evidence suggests that CBD provides therapeutic benefit in certain forms of epilepsy and imparts analgesia in certain conditions, and improves quality of life. CBD continues to be Schedule I or V on the list of controlled substances of the Drug Enforcement Agency of the United States. However, preparations labeled CBD are available publicly in stores and on the streets. However, use of CBD does not always resolve pain. CBD purchased freely entails the risk of adulteration by potentially hazardous chemicals. As well, CBD use by pregnant women is rising and poses a major health-hazard for future generations. In this mini-review, we present balanced and unbiased pre-clinical and clinical findings for the beneficial effects of CBD treatment on chronic pain and its deleterious effects on prenatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donovan A Argueta
- Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Christopher M Ventura
- Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Stacy Kiven
- Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Varun Sagi
- Vascular Biology Center, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Kalpna Gupta
- Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States.,Vascular Biology Center, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States.,Southern California Institute for Research and Education, Long Beach VA Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA, United States
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12
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Alam RM, Keating JJ. Adding more "spice" to the pot: A review of the chemistry and pharmacology of newly emerging heterocyclic synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists. Drug Test Anal 2020; 12:297-315. [PMID: 31854124 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) first appeared on the international recreational drug market in the early 2000s in the form of SCRA-containing herbal blends. Due to the cannabimimetic effects associated with the consumption of SCRAs, they have acquired an ill-informed reputation for being cheap, safe, and legal alternatives to illicit cannabis. Possessing high potency and affinity for the human cannabinoid receptor subtype-1 (CB1 ) and -2 (CB2 ), it is now understood that the recreational use of SCRAs can have severe adverse health consequences. The major public health problem arising from SCRA use has pressed legislators around the world to employ various control strategies to curb their recreational use. To circumvent legislative control measures, SCRA manufacturers have created a wide range of SCRA analogs that contain, more recently, previously unencountered azaindole, γ-carbolinone, or carbazole heterocyclic scaffolds. At present, little information is available regarding the chemical syntheses of these newly emerging classes of SCRA, from a clandestine perspective. When compared with previous generations of indole- and indazole-type SCRAs, current research suggests that many of these heterocyclic SCRA analogs maintain high affinity and efficacy at both CB1 and CB2 but largely evade legislative control. This review highlights the importance of continued research in the field of SCRA chemistry and pharmacology, as recreational SCRA use remains a global public health issue and represents a serious control challenge for law enforcement agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan M Alam
- Analytical & Biological Chemistry Research Facility (ABCRF), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,School of Chemistry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John J Keating
- Analytical & Biological Chemistry Research Facility (ABCRF), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,School of Chemistry, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Giorgetti A, Mogler L, Halter S, Haschimi B, Alt A, Rentsch D, Schmidt B, Thoma V, Vogt S, Auwärter V. Four cases of death involving the novel synthetic cannabinoid 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE. Forensic Toxicol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-019-00514-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
Cumyl-PEGACLONE was the first synthetic cannabinoid (SC) with a γ-carbolinone core structure detected in forensic casework and, since then, it has dominated the German SC-market. Here the first four cases of death involving its fluorinated analog, 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE, a recently emerged γ-carbolinone derived SC, are reported.
Methods
Complete postmortem examinations were performed. Postmortem samples were screened by immunoassay, gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) or liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. For quantification of SCs, the standard addition method was employed. Herbal blends were analyzed by GC–MS. In each case of death, the Toxicological Significance Score (TSS) was assigned to the compound.
Results
5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE was identified at concentrations ranging 0.09–0.45 ng/mL in postmortem femoral blood. In case 1, signs of hypothermia and kidney bleedings were noted. Despite a possible tolerance due to long term SC use, a TSS of 3 was assigned. In case 2, an acute heroin intoxication occurred and a contributory role (TSS = 1) of 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE was suggested. In case 3, a prisoner was found dead. GC–MS analysis of herbal blends, retrieved in his cell together with paraphernalia, confirmed the presence of 5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE and a causative role was deemed probable (TSS = 2). In case 4, the aspiration of gastric content due to a SC-induced coma was observed (TSS = 3).
Conclusions
5F-Cumyl-PEGACLONE is an emerging and extremely potent SC which raises serious public health concerns. A comprehensive analysis of circumstantial, clinical, and postmortem findings, as well as an in-depth toxicological analysis is necessary for a valid interpretation and for the assessment of the toxicological significance.
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McConachie SM, Caputo RA, Wilhelm SM, Kale-Pradhan PB. Efficacy of Capsaicin for the Treatment of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: A Systematic Review. Ann Pharmacother 2019; 53:1145-1152. [DOI: 10.1177/1060028019852601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is characterized by cyclic vomiting, abdominal pain, and alleviation of symptoms via hot showers in chronic cannabinoid users. Capsaicin is recommended as a reasonable first-line treatment approach for CHS despite limited clinical evidence regarding its use. The objective of this study is to systematically review the efficacy data for capsaicin in CHS. Data Sources: A literature search using keywords related to cannabinoids, emesis, and capsaicin was performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, and EMBASE from inception through March 31, 2019. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Studies and published abstracts in which capsaicin was used for CHS and clinical outcomes were reported were eligible for inclusion. Data Synthesis: A total of 241 articles were screened, of which 5 full-text articles and 6 conference abstracts were included. Full-text case reports (n = 3) and case series (n = 2) found capsaicin to be effective in a total of 18 patients. Published abstracts were in the form of case reports (n = 1), case series (n = 3), and retrospective cohort studies (n = 2). Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Capsaicin use was described as beneficial in all case series and case reports; however, both retrospective cohort studies were unable to find a significant benefit for capsaicin on primary outcomes (emergency department length of stay). Conclusion: Current data for capsaicin efficacy in CHS is of low methodological quality. However, the limited data on alternative antiemetic therapies and capsaicin’s favorable risk-benefit profile make it a reasonable adjunctive treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean M. McConachie
- Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
- Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn, MI, USA
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15
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Superwarfarin (Long-Acting Anticoagulant Rodenticides) Poisoning: from Pathophysiology to Laboratory-Guided Clinical Management. Clin Biochem Rev 2019; 40:175-185. [PMID: 31857739 DOI: 10.33176/aacb-19-00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Superwarfarins are long-acting anticoagulant rodenticides developed from warfarin. The mechanism of action is by inhibition of vitamin K epoxide reductase, resulting in the inability of the body to recycle vitamin K. Deficiency of vitamin K thereafter leads to inability for the body to synthesise vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors, factor II, VII, IX, and X, leading to prolonged prothrombin time. Due to the bulky aromatic sidechains, superwarfarins have a much longer half-life when compared to warfarin, and exposure to superwarfarins results in a prolonged period of anticoagulation which can result in clinical bleeding. Diagnosis is straightforward in patients with known history of superwarfarin exposure but has proved difficult for patients who did not report superwarfarin intake. Superwarfarin poisoning should therefore be suspected in all patients with unexplained prolongation of prothrombin time, and can be confirmed by their detection in serum. Treatment for superwarfarin poisoning includes rapid correction of factor deficiencies with either 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate or fresh frozen plasma in patients with active bleeding, and high dose vitamin K therapy given multiple times per day for a prolonged period of weeks to months.
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