AI Article Synopsis
- Spain has one of the highest rates of cocaine use in Europe, prompting a study on its consumption among patients in the emergency department.
- The study analyzed urine samples from patients with trauma or chest pain to check for various drugs, finding that 25% tested positive for drugs, with cocaine and cannabis each detected in 13.3%.
- Cocaine users were found to be significantly younger, but there were no notable differences in outcomes based on their drug test results.
Article Abstract
Background: One of the highest rates of illicit cocaine consumption in Europe is in Spain. Our objective was to study the incidence and impact of undisclosed cocaine consumption in patients attending the emergency department (ED) for trauma or chest pain.
Methods: We analysed urine samples from consecutive patients attending the ED for trauma or chest pain to determine the presence of cocaine, cannabis, amphetamine/metaamphetamine and opioids by semiquantative tests with fluorescence polarization immunoassay (FPIA).
Results: Thirty percent of eligible patients participated. Of 75 cases, 61.3% had trauma and 38.7% chest pain; 25% presented a positive test for drugs. Cocaine was present in 13.3% and cannabis in the same proportion. No differences were found regarding positive cocaine test and chief complaint, ED or hospital stay, or additional tests. Cocaine-positive patients were significantly younger.
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Source |
|---|---|
| http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2657289 | PMC |
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s12245-008-0022-6 | DOI Listing |
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