Neurological and cognitive abnormalities associated with chronic petrol sniffing

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Toxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• Petrol sniffing is a prevalent form of substance abuse in various communities.
• While acute toxic encephalopathy is known, chronic neurological and cognitive effects remain unclear.
• This study investigates subtle neurocognitive impacts in individuals without acute encephalopathy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess neurological and cognitive function in current petrol sniffers, ex-sniffers, and non-sniffers.
• To determine the correlation between blood lead levels, duration of sniffing, and neurocognitive deficits.
• To evaluate the impact of abstinence on neurological and cognitive function.

Main Methods:

• Utilized structured neurological examinations and the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB).
• Assessed 33 current sniffers, 30 ex-sniffers, and 34 matched non-sniffers.
• Measured blood lead and hydrocarbon levels, and collected data on sniffing behavior.

Main Results:

• Current sniffers exhibited more neurological abnormalities (e.g., gait, reflexes) and cognitive deficits (e.g., attention, memory) than non-sniffers.
• Ex-sniffers showed persistent neurological and cognitive deficits compared to non-sniffers.
• Blood lead levels and duration of sniffing correlated with the severity of deficits; hydrocarbon levels showed no significant relation.

Conclusions:

• Subtle neurological and cognitive abnormalities are associated with chronic petrol sniffing, even without acute encephalopathy.
• Abstinence from petrol sniffing leads to a reduction in the severity of these abnormalities.
• Blood lead levels are a significant factor in the neurotoxicity of petrol sniffing.