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At least 343 records · Page 19Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Neurological and cognitive abnormalities associated with chronic petrol sniffing.

Substance abuse through the deliberate inhalation of petrol (petrol sniffing or gasoline sniffing) is prevalent in inner-urban and remote rural communities. Although acute toxic encephalopathy is a well-documented consequence of petrol sniffing, the neurological and cognitive effects of chronic petrol sniffing are unknown. A structured neurological examination and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) were used to assess neurological and cognitive function in 33 current-sniffers (individuals who had sniffed petrol for >6 months), 30 ex-sniffers (individuals who had sniffed petrol in the past but had abstained for 6 months) and 34 matched non-sniffers (individuals who had never sniffed petrol). No subject was, or had been, encephalopathic from petrol sniffing and all were residing in their community. Blood lead and hydrocarbon levels and information about petrol sniffing behaviour were obtained from each subject. When compared with non-sniffers, current-sniffers showed higher rates of abnormal tandem gait, rapid alternating hand movements, finger to nose movements, postural tremor, bilateral palmomental reflexes and brisk deep reflexes. Cognitive deficits occurred in the areas of visual attention, visual recognition memory and visual paired associate learning. Ex-petrol sniffers showed higher rates of abnormal tandem gait and bilateral palmomental reflexes and cognitive deficits in the areas of visual recognition memory and pattern-location paired associate learning. Blood lead levels and length of time of petrol sniffing correlated significantly with the magnitude of neurological and cognitive deficits. Blood hydrocarbon levels were not related to neurocognitive deficits, although this may have been due to methodological difficulties in obtaining hydrocarbon levels. These results suggest that subtle neurological and cognitive abnormalities do occur in individuals who abuse petrol but who do not have acute toxic encephalopathy and that the severity of these abnormalities is reduced with abstinence.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Is there a fetal gasoline syndrome?

Two children from a small Amerindian community presented with profound retardation, initial hypotonia progressing to hypertonia, scaphocephaly, a prominent occiput, poor postnatal head growth, and additional minor anomalies. Abuse of gasoline by inhalation was a widespread problem in the community, and gasoline inhalation during the pregnancy could be documented in both of the pregnancies. We are raising the question as to whether inhalation of gasoline during pregnancy may be teratogenic in humans.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Uterine rupture in association with alkaloidal ("crack") cocaine abuse.

The use of alkaloidal ("crack") cocaine in pregnancy can result in systemic and focal vasoconstriction and abnormal uterine contractions forceful enough to cause the complete rupture of a gravid uterus along a previous vertical cesarean section scar. A 43-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department with acute abdominal pain at 34 weeks' gestation. She had had a low vertical cesarean section 3 years previously for breech presentation with acute fetal distress at 28 weeks' gestation. The patient had a history of heavy "crack" abuse and admitted to inhaling "crack" throughout the day until 4 hours before admission. Within 15 minutes after presentation a laparotomy was performed, revealing an infant floating in the abdominal cavity. A live baby was promptly delivered, and the ruptured uterus was repaired. The patient was discharged 4 days post partum. "Crack" cocaine, through its known effects on the vasculature and contractility of the myometrium, likely facilitated the uterine rupture in this patient. The edges of the rupture wound were surprisingly clean, with little bleeding, perhaps owing to the drug's vasoconstrictive effects. It was therefore feasible to repair the uterus as an alternative approach to hysterectomy.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Pharmacologic Determinants of Tobacco Dependence.

Nicotine is one of the most widely abused psychoactive drugs and far more people trying it progress to regular use than those trying heroin, cocaine, or alcohol. Since the early 20th century, it has been understood that tobacco use is driven largely by nicotine's pharmacological actions. Nicotine produces reinforcing effects, tolerance and physical dependence, and pharmacological effects that smokers enjoy, such as modulation of mood, appetite, and task performance. Pharmacokinetic properties of tobacco-based nicotine products optimize abuse potential. Cigarette smoke inhalation delivers high nicotine concentrations to the brain and other organs within 10 s of inhalation. Nicotine's acute effects dissipate in a few minutes, encouraging the smoker to smoke frequently throughout the day to maintain its pleasurable effects and prevent withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine and other constituents of smoke also provide sensory stimuli which, through repeated pairings, become conditioned reinforcers and further strengthen tobacco self-administration, creating an extremely persistant behavior. Nicotine replacement medications provide relief of cigarette withdrawal symptoms and are effective aids in smoking cessation; however, sustaining long-term abstinence can still be very difficult.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1985

Amaurosis fugax and retinal vasculitis associated with methamphetamine inhalation.

A 26-year-old male drug abuser developed amaurosis fugax followed by retinal vasculitis in the right eye after nasal inhalation of methamphetamine. He gradually recovered, but required prolonged systemic corticosteroid therapy. We believe that the amaurosis fugax was due to drug-induced vasospasm and that the retinal vasculitis was a drug-induced hypersensitivity vasculitis.

Administration, Intranasal↗
PubMed2001

[Can asthma deaths in young people be predicted and prevented?].

UNLABELLED: In spite of increased asthma prevalence, the mortality in the disease has decreased during the last two decades in Sweden and in some other countries. However, in the age group 15-24 years an increased death rate was noted at the end of the 1980s. Therefore we started a prospective study from 1994 with the aim of trying to analyse the precipitating factors of all deaths in the ages 1-34 years in which the death certificate alleged asthma or anaphylaxis as the main or contributing cause of death. We conducted a confidential telephone enquiry of the next of kin of the deceased using a modified questionnaire developed by the British Thoracic Association. When available, patient records and post mortem protocols were obtained. RESULTS: The mortality in asthma in the ages 1-34 years has decreased from around 5 per million/year to 0.5/million/year over the period 1987-1998. The main preventable factors found in this analysis are undertreatment, non-compliance, psychosocial factors including alcohol/drug abuse, food allergy and inhalation allergy. Lacking awareness of the risks and underestimation of the severity of the asthma both by the physician and the patient seem to be dominating factors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Frostbite of the mouth: a case report.

A case report is presented of a young male who sustained a second-degree frostbite injury to the oral cavity, to include lower lip, hard palate, tongue, and buccal mucosa. This unusual injury occurred as a result of substance abuse: an attempt to inhale an aerosolized propane propellant as a means to achieve euphoria.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Cerebral infarctions in a drug addict inhaling heroin].

Cerebral infarcts complicating heroin abuse have been seldom reported and only clinically and radiologically documented. We report a pathological case of cerebral infarct in a heroin sniffer. A 31 year old, male, heroin sniffing addict for several years, with no known past neurological history, was found dead one morning. The evening before, he had presented the usual signs of recent heroin intake. Opiates were found in large amounts in blood and urine. Post mortem HIV serology was negative. Post mortem examination revealed the usual signs of heroin addiction, but no cutaneous signs of IV drug use. Myocardial ischemic lesions of various ages involved the anterolateral part of the left ventricle; coronary arteries were normal. Neuropathological study revealed, partly cystic infarcts involving both cerebral hemispheres. They were mostly cortical with an intralaminar pattern and a watershed distribution at the boundaries between the territories of the anterior and middle cerebral arteries and the middle posterior cerebral arteries. Intracerebral vessels, large intracranial and cervical arteries were normal.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1999

[Preliminary survey of illegal drug misuse among Japanese high school students].

For several years, amphetamine misuse by high school students has been increasing in Japan. The Japanese National Police Agency announced that the third widespread use of amphetamines has started, especially among adolescents. However, there are few data on misuse of amphetamines or other substance abuse among high school students except for solvent inhalation. This is a preliminary survey report concerning substance abuse and substance-related problems among high school students. We surveyed 3393 high school students from 8 high schools in Kanagawa Prefecture and Kyushu Area on drinking and smoking status, and experience of illegal substance use. The results showed that 5.1% of the high school students had experiences of solvents inhalation, 1.1% of marijuana use, and 0.8% of amphetamine use. Around these illegal drug misusers, there were many reserves, such as students who experienced temptation to use solvents (13.6%), marijuana (2.4%), and amphetamines (2.5%), and those who responded that they wanted to use solvents (3.7%), marijuana (3.5%), and amphetamines (2.4%) if they were tempted. The prevalence of illegal drug misusers and reserves was not significantly different between male and female students, and they were concentrated among problem drinkers by the QF Scale and among current smokers. Prevalence of illegal drug misuse among Japanese high school students can not be estimated from the results of the survey because the subjects were limited to two areas and a small number of schools.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Solvent abuse associated pulmonary abnormalities.

Organic solvent inhalation leading to intoxication has become an important medical problem. Pulmonary function studies were performed on 42 young (ages 11-31) solvent inhalers and on 20 controls (ages 10-26). Ventilatory studies were normal in the majority, but residual volumes of inhalers were significantly higher (136.26% +/- 32.64% S.C.) than in controls (104% +/- 27.78% S.C.)--p less than 0.001. Lung tissue obtained at autopsy, from three known solvent inhalers was found to contain microscopic abnormalities similar to those seen in experimental panlobular emphysema and it is assumed these changes are consistent with increased residual volumes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Adolescent abuse of typewriter correction fluid.

A new form of substance abuse in adolescents is the inhalation of fumes from typewriter correction fluids (Liquid Paper, Wite-Out, Snopake, etc), which are composed of various chlorinated solvents, to induce euphoria. Medical complications of such abuse and medical management of acute toxic episodes are discussed herein, along with suggestions for controlling this substance abuse.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1987

Pulmonary function abnormalities in intentional spray paint inhalation.

To investigate the effects of intentional hydrocarbon inhalation on lung function, a preliminary study involving ten spray paint abusers was conducted. Mean duration of the inhalation was 34.9 months; mean frequency was 3.2 times per week. Pulmonary function testing (PFT) consisted of flow studies, lung volumes, single-breath carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (Dsb), airway resistance and airway conductance. An exercise provocation was followed by repetition of the PFT, except for Dsb. Our results revealed an obstructive ventilatory pattern in 90 percent of the subjects. In seven patients, there was a significant increase of airway resistance prior to exercise. In five of the ten patients, exercise provocation produced an increase in residual volume. Five of six subjects receiving a trial of a bronchodilator had significant improvement of obstruction. These findings suggest that intentional inhalation of spray paint may produce abnormalities in pulmonary function. These abnormalities may improve after use of a bronchodilator.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1993

[A basic study for estimating the level of exposure to a nasal inhalant containing a stimulant].

Criminal cases involving stimulant abuse have increased since 1970 but have now leveled off. Some of the offenders claimed to have used the Vicks Inhaler containing a stimulant (1-methamphetamine) which is used for the treatment of nasal obstruction. The aim of this experiment was to measure the amount of 1-methamphetamine contained in the Vicks Inhaler by stimulating the human respiratory system. The results are as follows: 1) The data from the stimulation experiment showed that the inhalation level of 1-methamphetamine was estimated to be 320.4ng. From this value, the level of 1-methamphetamine absorbed per one respiration was calculated to be 21ng. 2) The data from quantitative and qualitative analysis by gas-chromatography showed that menthol interfered with the methamphetamine. 3) A qualitative test for the stimulant in urine was negative when the subject inhaled the Vicks Inhaler only once. However, this test turned positive when the subject inhaled it more than 17 times.

Chromatography, Gas↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Thinner abuse alters optokinetic nystagmus parameters.

BACKGROUND: Deliberate self-inhalation of solvents such as thinner is a recognized problem in underdeveloped countries, with chronic abuse resulting in neurological impairment. In this article, we use electronystagmography (ENG) to study optokinetic nystagmus abnormalities (OKN) that may be induced by thinner consumption. METHODS: Twenty-five patients exposed to thinner for 5-20 years, in an irregular fashion of consumption, were recruited from a toxicologic center. Twenty-five control subjects were invited to participate as volunteers matched by age (+/-2 years) and gender. At the time of evaluation, all had abstained from intoxicants for at least 4 weeks. ENG recordings were performed by clinicians masked to the patient's group. Clockwise and counterclockwise stimulation were performed at 20 and 40 degrees /sec. RESULTS: None of the patients showed spontaneous nystagmus during the test period. Differences between thinner abusers and controls on clockwise and counterclockwise OKN on number of beats of nystagmus elicited on the 40 degrees /sec velocity were identified. The thinner abusers group showed a lesser number of nystagmus (p level was 0.02 and 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present results confirm the sensibility of OKN as an early marker of solvent abuse. These results were obtained in middle-term chronic exposure to solvent mixtures and are in favor of both cortical and brainstem dysfunction.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Propylhexdrine.

Propylhexedrine, a sympathomimetic with varied medicinal uses, is one of the compounds to be reviewed by the Expert Committee convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) to determine whether the compound should be scheduled under the Convention on Psychotropic Substances. This paper reviews the pharmacology, medicinal uses, toxicity and abuse-potential of propylhexedrine, with special emphasis on toxicity and abuse potential. The primary medicinal use of propylhexedrine is temporary symptomatic relief of nasal decongestion due to colds, allergies and allergic rhinitis. When used as a nasal inhaler for this indication, propylhexedrine reduces nasal airway resistance without producing rebound congestion. Abuse does not occur by nasal inhalation; however, a small amount of abuse of the propylhexedrine containing nasal inhalers occurs by oral ingestion of the contents of the inhaler or by intravenous injection. Propylhexedrine is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant of low abuse potential, a stimulant of low preference for stimulant abusers compared with amphetamine, methylphenidate, phenmetrazine.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Immunohistochemical study of rat spermatogenesis after toluene-inhalation.

After prolonged toluene-inhalation (for 20 days) at the common abuse density (1500 ppm for 4 h per day), the effect of toluene on spermatogenesis in rats was investigated. Body weight was significantly decreased in the toluene group (P < 0.05). However, the weights of the testis and epididymis were maintained. To confirm whether the toluene-inhalation influences testis and epididymis as a stress factor; anti-70kD heat-shock protein (HSP70) and c-fos gene product (c-Fos) were observed. To observe the change of the cell division and the proliferation in spermatogenesis, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were stained immunohistochemically, and apoptosis was also detected. There was no positive immunoreactivity for HSP70 or c-Fos. There was no significant difference in the PCNA-expression in both groups. It was considered that toluene-inhalation did not have a clear influence in the division of spermatogonium and spermatocytes. On in situ apoptosis detection, slightly enhanced signals were observed in the toluene-inhalation groups. This might have some influence on meiosis from spermatocyte to spermatid. However, in toluene-inhalation rats exposed to a common abuse density, it was considered that spermatogenesis was well maintained and not apparently damaged.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed1991

Psychiatric and neurological effects of chronic solvent abuse.

This study is a review of the psychiatric and neurological effects of solvent inhalation on a group of 22 patients with chronic histories of solvent abuse, primarily toluene-based solvents. The findings suggest that the chronic inhalation of toluene-based adhesives can produce a paranoid psychosis which may persist. Other findings were a high incidence of temporal lobe epilepsy and decrease in IQ. We suggest that the psychiatric and neurological sequelae of chronic solvent abuse are serious and potentially irreversible. Toluene is felt to be a major factor in the morbidity associated with chronic solvent abuse, and attention is drawn to the necessity for educational programs in this area. The burden caused by the resulting psychiatric problems resulting from solvent abuse may have implications for health care budgets.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2003

Inhalant nitrite exposure alters mouse hepatic angiogenic gene expression.

Inhalant nitrites are drugs of abuse that have been shown to enhance tumor growth rate in mice and are epidemiologically linked to an increased risk of Kaposi's sarcoma. Because nitrites produce nitric oxide, we hypothesized that their toxicological effects might be partly mediated via regulation of angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Preliminary studies showed that isobutyl nitrite (ISBN) incubation stimulated VEGF protein expression in J774 macrophage cells. C57BL/6 mice exposed to ISBN in air exhibited significant up-regulation of VEGF protein and mRNA in the liver, but not in the lung. Liver mRNA expression of VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), VEGFR-3, Smad5, and Smad7 was also significantly altered. These results demonstrate that in vivo exposure to an inhalant nitrite results in altered tissue expression of VEGF and its receptors, suggesting that some of its toxicological effects may be mediated partly through a mechanism involving angiogenesis.

Administration, Inhalation↗