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Peripheral vascular changes in the lower limbs following cocaine abuse
N Camilleri1, A Mizzi1, A Gatt1
1Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta.
Journal of Addictive Diseases
|June 5, 2020
Summary
Cocaine use is linked to poorer lower limb arterial perfusion, increasing peripheral arterial disease risk. Regular vascular foot screening is recommended for individuals using cocaine to prevent complications.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Substance Use Disorders
Background:
- Substance use disorder, particularly cocaine use, is increasing globally, especially among young people.
- While cocaine's cardiovascular and cerebrovascular effects are known, its impact on lower limb arterial perfusion is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between cocaine use and peripheral arterial disease.
- To assess arterial perfusion in the lower limbs of cocaine users compared to non-cocaine users.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 30 cocaine, smoking, and alcohol-dependent subjects (Group A) and 30 smoking and alcohol-dependent subjects (Group B).
- Comprehensive lower limb vascular assessment including pulse palpation, Doppler spectral waveform analysis, Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABPI), and Toe Brachial Pressure Index (TBPI).
Main Results:
- Group A exhibited lower ABPI and TBPI values than Group B, indicating reduced lower limb vascular perfusion.
- A higher proportion of Group A showed monophasic/continuous waveforms in pedal pulses, suggesting impaired arterial flow.
- Group B demonstrated a greater prevalence of biphasic/triphasic waveforms, indicative of better vascular perfusion.
Conclusions:
- Cocaine use is associated with diminished arterial perfusion in the lower limbs.
- Cocaine use may elevate the risk of developing peripheral arterial disease.
- Routine vascular foot screening is advised for cocaine users to mitigate potential foot complications.
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