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Compartment syndrome after "bath salts" use: a case series
Michael Levine1, Rachel Levitan, Aaron Skolnik
1Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA. mdlevine@usc.edu
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|January 16, 2013
Summary
Synthetic cathinone ("bath salts") abuse can lead to severe rhabdomyolysis and acute compartment syndrome, a rare complication. This case series highlights the delayed onset and management of this serious condition.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Emergency Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Synthetic cathinones, known as "bath salts," are increasingly abused substances.
- Sympathomimetic drugs commonly cause rhabdomyolysis but rarely acute compartment syndrome.
Observation:
- This case series details three patients with confirmed synthetic cathinone use presenting with sympathomimetic symptoms.
- All patients exhibited severe rhabdomyolysis and subsequently developed acute compartment syndrome.
Findings:
- Two patients developed paraspinal compartment syndrome, while one experienced bilateral forearm compartment syndrome.
- Management strategies included fasciotomy in two patients and medical management in one.
- Outcomes varied, with two patients recovering fully and one requiring long-term hemodialysis.
Implications:
- Synthetic cathinone intoxication poses a significant risk for developing acute compartment syndrome.
- Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial for patients with synthetic cathinone-induced rhabdomyolysis.
- This highlights the need for increased awareness of severe complications associated with novel psychoactive substances.
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