'Street ketamine'-associated bladder dysfunction: a report of ten cases.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Toxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• Recreational ketamine (special K) abuse is a growing public health concern.
• Previous studies have linked ketamine use to urinary symptoms, but specific structural abnormalities were not well-documented.
• Understanding the urological impact of ketamine is crucial for effective clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and report novel urinary tract abnormalities in young individuals with a history of ketamine abuse.
• To describe the clinical presentation and diagnostic findings in patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms attributed to ketamine use.
• To explore potential etiological factors contributing to these observed abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of ten young patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms.
• Clinical evaluation including detailed history, physical examination, and laboratory investigations.
• Urological imaging (e.g., ultrasound, cystoscopy) and functional tests to assess bladder capacity and structure.

Main Results:

• All ten patients exhibited significant lower urinary tract symptoms.
• Investigations revealed contracted bladders in all affected individuals.
• Other previously unreported urinary tract abnormalities were identified, requiring further characterization.

Conclusions:

• Ketamine abuse is associated with severe and previously undocumented bladderContractures and urinary tract abnormalities.
• Early recognition and intervention are essential for managing ketamine-induced urological damage.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying these toxic effects.