Phencyclidine intoxication: clinical experience in 27 cases confirmed by urine assay

Medical records of 107 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of phencyclidine (PCP) intoxication were reviewed and in 27 of these the diagnosis was confirmed by positive urine assay. In the 27 confirmed cases, the most common abnormalities present on physical examination were mental/behavioral (89%) and nystagmus (85%). Elevations in blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate that were statistically significant when compared with an age-matched control group also were noted. Review of available medical records disclosed that 13 of these patients had been evaluated previously at our institution for PCP intoxication. Toxicological screening tests including blood alcohol level, hypnotic screen, and urine test for alkaloids, were performed on 11 patients and found positive in four. The most common serious medical complication requiring hospitalization was rhabdomyolysis which occurred on three patients, two of whom developed acute renal failure. This complication may occur more frequently than previously recognized and should be excluded in patients with PCP intoxication.