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The 'acute' abdomen in heroin addiction
The British Journal of Surgery
|October 1, 1982
Summary
Heroin addicts with acute abdomen often present with intestinal obstruction, with high hematocrit levels indicating true obstruction. Other causes include withdrawal symptoms and infections, requiring careful diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Toxicology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Heroin addiction is associated with various gastrointestinal complications.
- Acute abdomen in this population presents diagnostic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the causes of acute abdomen in heroin addicts.
- To identify diagnostic indicators for intestinal obstruction in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 22 heroin addicts admitted with acute abdomen between 1971-1981.
- Analysis of clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and surgical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Fifteen patients presented with symptoms of intestinal obstruction; 7 had pseudo-obstruction.
- A hematocrit level > 0.46 was indicative of true obstruction.
- Elevated white blood cell count or erythrocyte sedimentation rate often reflected soft tissue infections.
Conclusions:
- Distinguishing true intestinal obstruction from other causes in heroin addicts requires careful evaluation.
- Hematocrit levels can aid in differentiating true obstruction.
- Infections are common comorbidities that can complicate diagnosis.