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Tetanus in an injecting buprenorphine abuser

Felicia S W Teo1, Li Yang Hsu, Khim Nian Sin Fai Lam

  • 1Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore. felicia.teo.s.w@singhealth.com.sg

Annals of the Academy of Medicine, Singapore
|January 11, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Injecting drug abuse, including buprenorphine, can lead to serious infections like tetanus. This case highlights a potentially lethal complication of parenteral drug use.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Case Study
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Intravenous drug users face high risks of infectious complications.
  • Buprenorphine abuse is increasingly recognized as a risk factor.

Observation:

  • A 49-year-old male presented with generalized spasms, dysarthria, and opisthotonus.
  • Clinical diagnosis of tetanus was made.
  • Toxicology confirmed buprenorphine use.

Findings:

  • The patient received supportive care in the intensive care unit (ICU).
  • Rapid recovery was observed with transfer out of the ICU after 8 days.
  • Parenteral buprenorphine abuse was confirmed retrospectively.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the uncommon but severe risks associated with parenteral buprenorphine abuse.
  • Highlights the need for awareness of infectious complications in drug abusers.
  • Emphasizes the importance of considering tetanus in patients with compatible symptoms and a history of parenteral drug use.

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