Chronic trophic disorders in cocaine and heroin injectors: A multicenter retrospective observational descriptive...

To describe the demographic characteristics of heroin and cocaine injectors with chronic injection-related trophic disorders, as well as the clinical and progressive characteristics of these disorders.

A descriptive, observational, multicenter and retrospective study over the last 15 years. Patients were recruited via a call for cases and by consulting the health data warehouse of the university hospital center.

The population comprised 39 injection drug users, of whom 79.5% were male, with a median age of 41 years. Subjects had numerous co-addictions and 70.5% were infected with hepatitis C virus. Trophic disorders were multiple in some cases: 43.5% of patients had lymphoedema, 87% had ulcers, and 56.5% had injection-related scars. Ulcers were multiple, large, and present for a median of 3 years. They were located on the upper limbs in 32.5% of cases. Ulcers constituted a source of complications in 64.5% of cases and these were infectious in 91% of cases (local, osteoarticular or systemic). During follow-up, 8 patients died and 21.5% of patients requiring ulcer care were lost to follow-up.

This study showed a high rate of complications, particularly infections, of ulcers in injection drug users. Localization of these ulcers to the upper limbs, although rare in the general population, is relatively frequent in this population. Follow-up is difficult and cooperation between dermatologist and addictologist is essential to improve patient care.