Acute street drug poisoning in the patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection: the role of chemsex

Emergencias. 2018;30(6):405-407.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Objectives: To identify the drugs usually abused in cases of acute poisoning in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients.

Material and methods: Retrospective study of episodes of acute street drug poisoning in HIV-infected patients in our emergency department over a period of 1 year. Chemsex was defined as the use of methamphetamines, -hydroxybutyrate (GHB), -butyrolactone (GBL), and/or mephedrone in order to prolong sexual activity.

Results: We included 101 patients, 93 (92%) of whom were men. The drug that caused the most cases of acute poisoning was cocaine, detected in 52 patients (51%). GHB and amphetamines were the next most frequently implicated street drugs. The prevalence of chemsex in this series was 87%. Mortality was 2%. Amphetamine poisoning was related to intensive care unit admission (odds ratio, 9,2 [95% CI, 1.6-52.2], P=.012).

Conclusion: Cocaine use was the main cause of acute poisoning in this series. The prevalence of chemsex was high.

Objetivo: Identificar la principales drogas de abuso que producen intoxicación aguda en el paciente VIH.

Metodo: Estudio retrospectivo de 1 año evolución de los episodios de intoxicación por drogas de abuso en el paciente VIH en un servicio de urgencias. Se definió chemsex como el consumo de metanfetamina, GHB/GBL o mefedrona para mantener relaciones sexuales prolongadas.

Resultados: Se incluyeron 101 pacientes, 93 (92%) eran varones. La principal droga fue la cocaína en 52 (51%) pacientes, seguida del GHB y anfetaminas. La prevalencia de chemsex fue del 87%. La mortalidad de la serie fue del 2%. El consumo de anfetaminas predijo ingreso en cuidados intensivos: OR 9,2 (IC 95% 1,6-52,2); p = 0,012.

Conclusiones: La cocaína fue la principal causa de intoxicación aguda. El chemsex tuvieron una elevada prevalencia.

Keywords: Chemsex; Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); Acute poisoning; Chemsex; Drogas de abuso; Intoxicación aguda; Party and play (PNP); Street drugs; VIH.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Drug Overdose / diagnosis
  • Drug Overdose / epidemiology
  • Drug Overdose / etiology*
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • HIV Infections / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs / poisoning*
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Spain

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs