Clinical characteristics in new psychoactive substance users: A single center study

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Emergency Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• New psychoactive substances (NPS) represent a significant and evolving global public health challenge.
• Illicit drug use, including NPS, frequently leads to emergency department (ED) visits.
• Understanding the clinical profiles of NPS users is crucial for effective medical intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the clinical presentation of patients using NPS compared to those using classical illicit drugs or testing negative for illicit substances.
• To identify demographic and clinical differences between NPS users and non-users presenting to the ED.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients presenting to the ED with suspected illicit substance use.
• Patients were categorized into four groups based on NPS and classical illicit drug testing results.
• Clinical data, including vital signs and reported symptoms, were analyzed and compared across groups.

Main Results:

• NPS users were significantly younger (26.4 years) than patients who tested negative for illicit substances (37.5 years).
• NPS users and those using NPS combined with classical illicit drugs (INPS) exhibited significantly higher heart rates (tachycardia) compared to the negative group.
• Patients suspected of NPS use reported higher rates of palpitations.

Conclusions:

• Patients presenting to the ED with suspected NPS use are typically younger and exhibit signs of tachycardia and palpitations.
• These findings highlight distinct clinical characteristics associated with NPS use that may aid in emergency room diagnosis and management.