Lesiones dentales por el uso de cocaína / Dental lesions due to the use of cocaine

El consumo, abuso y adicción de sustancias ilícitas, como por ejemplo la cocaína, es uno de los problemas de salud pública más preocupante en nuestro país, con diferentes índices en el conurbano. El uso de cocaína en estos medios produce daños en distintos órganos, entre los cuales podemos mencionar, corazón, cerebro, riñón y también en tejidos duros como los dientes, daños y lesiones a las que haremos referencia en este artículo. El caso presentado en este trabajo es el de un paciente de 21 años, que ingresa a la guardia por traumatismo de cráneo moderado producido por una colisión moto-autobús. Sus familiares no refieren antecedentes de enfermedades previas. Se interna en la Unidad de terapia intensiva; y llama la atención, al realizar el examen físico, las lesiones observadas en los dientes incisivos y premolares de la arcada dentaria superior.

The consumption, abuse, and addiction of illicit substances, such as cocaine, is one of the most worrying public health problems in our country, with different indices in the conurbano. The use of cocaine in these media produces damage to different organs, among which we can mention, heart, brain, kidney and also in hard tissues such as teeth, damage and injuries to which we will refer to this article. The case presented in this work is that of a 21-year-old patient, who enters the guard for moderate skull trauma produced by a motorcycle-autobus collision. His relatives do not refer to a history of previous diseases. It goes into the Intensive Therapy Unit; And it attracts attention, when performing the physical exam, the lesions observed in the incisive and premolars of the upper dental arcade

Neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands related to cocaine abuse

Abstract Neutrophilic dermatoses encompass a wide spectrum of diseases characterized by a dense infiltration mainly composed of neutrophils. Neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands is currently considered a localized variant of Sweet syndrome. Cocaine abuse has been related to a wide range of mucocutaneous manifestations, including neutrophilic dermatoses such as pyoderma gangrenosum. The authors of this study present a patient with neutrophilic dermatosis of the dorsal hands, in which cocaine abuse was identified as a probable trigger.

Pyoderma gangrenosum associated to the use of cocaine/levamisole. Series of three cases and literature review

Abstract Pyoderma gangrenosum associated to the use of cocaine/levamisole is a rare condition associated to their consumption. Cocaine use is frequent in Colombia, and the substance is contaminated with levamisole, an anthelmintic that increases the psychotropic effects and enhances its side effects. We present three clinical cases of patients with ulcerated lesions, in which the diagnosis was pyoderma gangrenosum secondary to the use of cocaine contaminated with levamisole. This called the attention of the health staff to investigate the abuse of substances in gangrenous pyoderma and also evidence that the interruption of consumption was the basis of management.

Agranulocitosis febril y artropatía reactiva asociada a consumo de cocaína en un paciente HLA B27 positivo / Febrile agranulocytosis and reactive arthropathy associated with cocaine consumption in an HLA B27 positive patient

Resumen La agranulocitosis asociada al consumo de cocaína es un fenómeno vinculado a la presencia de levamisol, un agente antihelmíntico e inmunomodulador, usado como adulterante de la cocaína. Esta reacción puede presentarse con mayor frecuencia en personas con HLA B27. Además de la agranulocitosis, las personas que consumen cocaína adulterada con levamisol pueden desarrollar fiebre, lesiones en piel, artralgias y, menos frecuentemente, artritis y entesitis inflamatoria. Presentamos el caso de un paciente consumidor de cocaína, con genotipo HLA B27, que desarrolló agranulocitosis febril y artropatía reactiva. En sangre se detectó la presencia de ANCA p, ANCA atípico y MPO, y fueron excluidas otras causas de agranulocitosis. Fue tratado con corticoides y posteriormente metotrexato, terapia de deshabituación, con buena evolución.

Abstract Agranulocytosis associated with cocaine use is a phenomenon linked to the presence of levamisole, an anthelminthic and immunomodulating agent, used as an adulterant to cocaine. This reaction has been associated with the presence of HLA B27. In addition to agranulocytosis, people who use levamisole-adulterated cocaine may develop fever, skin lesions, arthralgias, and less frequently, inflammatory enthesitis and arthritis. We present the case of a cocaine-consuming patient with HLA B27 genotype, who developed febrile agranulocytosis and inflammatory arthropathy. The presence of p ANCA, atypical ANCA and MPO was detected in blood, and other causes of agranulocytosis were excluded. He was treated with corticosteroids and later methotrexate, therapy for addiction, with good evolution.

Cocaine-related aortic dissection: what do we know?

Abstract Introduction: Cocaine use is known to be associated with an increased risk for vascular diseases. It is likely to trigger or increase the risk for an aortic dissection. We conducted an analysis of 45 cases of cocaine-related aortic dissection to further characterize the clinical features and outcomes of this patient cohort. Methods: Our study cohort of 45 patients consisted of 11 cases from our institutional database and 34 published case reports. Results: The observed cases of acute aortic dissection related to cocaine use showed a high proportion of young (41.3±8.67 years) and male (88.9%) patients. Most of the cases (75%) were classified as Stanford type A. Also, in 75% of the cases, cocaine use was prevalent for more than one year. Median time from last cocaine use to onset of symptoms was one hour. In-hospital mortality was 21.4%, while additional 11.9% of the cases died before arriving at the hospital. Conclusion: Acute aortic dissection related to cocaine use occurs in predominantly young male patients and has a dismal outcome when compared to all comer series.

Perforación de la bóveda palatina por consumo de cocaína: reporte de un caso / Perforation of the palatine dome for cocaine consumption: report of a case

El abuso del consumo de cocaína puede ocasionar problemas físicos y mentales graves. Dicha droga puede ser utilizada de varias formas y sus efectos sobre la cavidad oral varían según la vía de administración, causando desde erosiones en las piezas dentarias, abrasiones cervicales, caries, enfermedad periodontal, disfunción temporomandibular, xerostomía, ulceraciones hasta la perforación del paladar duro y/o blando. Se describirá el caso clínico de un paciente cocainómano que concurrió al servicio de odontología del Hospital San Martin de La Plata, presentando dos perforaciones en el paladar duro debido al consumo crónico, y el tratamiento de urgencia correspondiente mediante una placa obturatríz que favorece la deglución y el habla del paciente (AU)

Abuse of cocaine use can cause serious physical and mental problems. is drug can be used in several ways and its effects on the oral cavity vary according to the route of administration, causing from erosions in the teeth, cervical abrasions, caries, periodontal disease, temporomandibular dysfunction, xerostomia, ulcerations to the perforation of the hard palate and / or soft.The clinical case of a cocaine patient who attended the dentistry service of the San Martin de La Plata Hospital will be described, presenting two perforations in the hard palate due to chronic consumption, and the corresponding emergency treatment by means of an obturator plate that favors swallowing and He speaks of the patient (AU)

Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis in a cocaine user: diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge

Abstract Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) is a chronic infection that can affect the skin and mucous membranes. We report a case of oral, nasopharyngeal, and penile lesions in a 35-year-old cocaine user. The patient presented with ulcerated lesions in 2014. Histopathologic analysis revealed amastigotes, and serological test results were positive for leishmaniasis. Systemic therapy with meglumine antimoniate was administered; however, the patient failed to present for follow-up. In 2018, he returned with nasal collapse, and another histopathologic test confirmed MCL. This case illustrates the importance of careful differential diagnosis of skin and mucous ulcers to identify the particular pathology.

Hepatitis hipóxica en paciente con endomiocardiofibrosis / Hypoxic hepatitis in a patient with endomyocardial fibrosis

La endomiocardiofibrosis es una causa de miocardiopatía restrictiva frecuente en la región de África subsahariana, aunque poco frecuente en nuestra población. Posee estrecha relación con la presencia de hipereosinofilia en sangre y tiene alta morbimortalidad. La hepatitis hipóxica es una afección clínica con un patrón enzimático característico, muy prevalente en unidades de cuidados intensivos y elevada mortalidad. Se reconocen múltiples mecanismos fisiopatológicos, como la isquemia, la congestión venosa y la alteración en la utilización de oxígeno del hepatocito. Describimos el caso de u na paciente de 35 años, consumidora de cocaína, con diagnóstico de endomiocardiofibrosis secundario a síndrome hipereosinofílico idiopático que presentó shock cardiogénico y hepatitis hipóxica asociada. Evolucionó favorablemente con el tratamiento de sostén adecuado.

Endomyocardial fibrosis is a restrictive cardiomyopathy with high morbidity and mortality rates, prevalent in the sub-Saharan Africa region but infrequent in our population. It has a close relation with blood hypereosinophilia. Hypoxic hepatitis is frequently observed in intensive care units and its diagnosis is clinical. It shows a typical enzyme pattern with high mortality too. There are multiple mechanisms responsible for this condition, such as ischemia, passive congestion and dysoxia. We described the case of a 35 year-old cocaine addict woman diagnosed with endomyocardial fibrosis and hypereosinophilic syndrome who developed cardiogenic shock with hypoxic hepatitis. The patient evolved favorably with the appropriate treatment.

Desafios no cuidado familiar aos adolescentes usuários de crack / Challenges that families face while caring for teenage crack users

Resumo Objetivou-se analisar os desafios enfrentados pela família no cuidado aos adolescentes usuários de crack. Pesquisa qualitativa, que realizou entrevistas em profundidade com onze adolescentes e seis familiares vinculados ao centro de atenção psicossocial. A análise fundamentou-se na Análise de Conteúdo, e os resultados revelaram que os desafios enfrentados estão relacionados aos conflitos familiares, quebra de vínculos, dificuldades de conciliar o acompanhamento do adolescente aos tratamentos de saúde com o trabalho, bem como a dificuldade de monitorar seu comportamento. Para essas famílias, a solução baseia-se na institucionalização do adolescente em ambientes com características asilares.

Abstract This study aimed to analyse the challenges that families face while caring adolescent crack users. Qualitative research, which conducts in-depth interviews with five teenagers and four relatives linked to the Psychosocial Care Centre. The research was based on content analysis, and the results show that the challenges are related to family conflicts, to the breaking of family ties, as well as with the difficulties in reconciling the teenager attendance to the treatment with his work and in the monitoring of his behaviour. For these families, the solution is based on the institutionalization of the adolescents in asylums environments features.

Lesiones destructivas de la línea media facial secundarias al consumo de cocaína: caso clínico / Cocaine induced midline destructive lesions: report of one case

Vasculitic midline destructive lesions can be a complication of cocaine use. We report a 44-year-old man who presented with a two months history of left facial pain associated with ipsilateral facial paralysis and a cheek phlegmon. Magnetic resonance imaging showed broad soft tissue destruction linked to important cranial nerve involvement. Antibiotic and antifungal therapy was started and multiple surgical debridement procedures were performed, with no clinical improvement. Microbiological analysis was negative. Finally, thanks to the histologic findings corresponding to vasculitis and granuloma formation and the history of cocaine abuse, a cocaine induced midline destructive lesion was diagnosed.

El recién nacido expuesto a cocaína antenatal: una propuesta de intervención médica y psicosocial integrada / The newborn exposed to antenatal cocaine: a proposal for integrated medical and psychosocial intervention

Introducción: El consumo de cocaína durante la gestación gatilla isquemia, muerte y licuefacción celular en el cerebro fetal, consolidando en la infancia grados variables de retraso mental. El presente estudio busca identificar mediante test de drogas en orina los recién nacidos (RN) expuestos a cocaína en el embarazo y describir el procedimiento clínico y social a seguir. Metodología: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo enero 2016 y enero 2018 en RN con exposición antenatal a cocaína, Unidad de Neonatología del Hospital Clínico San Borja Arriarán. Resultados: Se estudió a 64 RN con test en orina positivo a cocaína. El 42% fue pequeño para la edad gestacional, 33% tenía microcefalia. Se encontraron malformaciones en sistema nervioso y vías urinarias, trastornos del ritmo cardíaco e hipoacusia. Solo 32,8% de las madres controló su embarazo y 52% rechazó la rehabilitación. Servicio Social interpuso medidas de protección a los RN e instó a las madres a programas de rehabilitación. El 12,5% de los RN no tenía familia de apoyo y debió ser derivado a instituciones gubernamentales. Conclusiones: Las consecuencias de la exposición a cocaína antenatal en el RN son devastadoras. Este trabajo permite orientar la pesquisa, estudio y pasos legales a seguir con los RN afectados y sus madres.

Introduction: The consumption of cocaine during pregnancy triggers events such as ischemia, death and cell liquefaction in the fetal brain, consolidating varying degrees of intellectual disability. This study proposed to identify by urine drug test the newborns (NB) with antenatal exposure to and describe the clinical and social procedure to follow with them and their mothers until neonatal discharge. Methodology: Prospective cohort study, conducted in RN who met criteria for risk of antenatal exposure to cocaine, Neonatology Unit of the San Borja Arriaran Clinical Hospital between January 2016 -2018. Results: Antenatal exposure to cocaine was confirmed on 64 NB. Forty-two percent of them were small for gestational age and 33% had microcephaly. Malformations were found in the nervous system urinary tract, as well as disorders in the rhythm of the heart and loss of hearing. Only 32% of mothers controlled her pregnancy, none of them was derived to the secondary. Social Services implemented all the NB protective measures in place and urged mothers to participate in rehabilitation programs. Fifty-two percent rejected rehabilitation and 12.5% of the NB have not family support and had to be referred to government institutions. Conclusions: The consequences of exposure to antenatal cocaine in the NB are devastating. This work allows orienting the research with the NB and showing the legal steps should be taken with the RN and their mothers.

Risk factors for tuberculosis: diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, and the use of other drugs / Fatores de risco para tuberculose: diabetes, tabagismo, álcool e uso de outras drogas

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis continues to be a major public health problem. Although efforts to control the epidemic have reduced mortality and incidence, there are several predisposing factors that should be modified in order to reduce the burden of the disease. This review article will address some of the risk factors associated with tuberculosis infection and active tuberculosis, including diabetes, smoking, alcohol use, and the use of other drugs, all of which can also contribute to poor tuberculosis treatment results. Tuberculosis can also lead to complications in the course and management of other diseases, such as diabetes. It is therefore important to identify these comorbidities in tuberculosis patients in order to ensure adequate management of both conditions.

RESUMO A tuberculose continua a ser um importante problema de saúde para a humanidade. Embora os esforços para controlar a epidemia tenham reduzido sua mortalidade e incidência, há vários fatores predisponentes a ser controlados a fim de reduzir a carga da doença. Este artigo de revisão aborda alguns dos fatores de risco associados à infecção por tuberculose, como diabetes, tabagismo, uso de álcool e uso de outras drogas, que podem também contribuir para maus resultados do tratamento da tuberculose. A tuberculose pode levar a complicações no curso e no manejo de outras doenças, como o diabetes. Portanto, é importante identificar essas comorbidades em pacientes com tuberculose a fim de assegurar um manejo adequado de ambas as condições.

Perforación de ciego por colitis isquémica asociada a uso de cocaína: reporte de caso / Perforation of the cecum by isquemic colitis associated with cocaine use: a case report

Introducción: El consumo de cocaína es un problema mayor a nivel mundial; los usuarios crónicos presentan complicaciones médicas graves que afectan el aparato vascular, los cuales puedenderivar en accidentes isquémicos serios. A continuación presentamos un caso de perforación intestinal secundaria a colitis isquémica por uso de cocaína. Caso clínico: Un hombre de 21 anos de edad con antecedente de uso de cocaína inició su pade cimiento 5 días antes de su ingreso con dolor abdominal, náuseas y vómitos. Con el diagnóstico de perforación de víscera hueca se realizó una laparotomía exploradora, en la cual se encontró una perforación en la cara anterior del ciego. Se realizó una hemicolectomía derecha con una ileostomía y una fístula mucocutánea de colon transverso. Discusión: La causa de las perforaciones es la isquemia local en la mucosa y la necrosis parietal. En este paciente obtuvimos una prueba de orina positiva para cocaína; además, con el ante cedente de uso intenso de esta sustancia y el resultado en el reporte histopatológico pudimos llegar a este diagnóstico. Conclusión: La colitis isquémica asociada a uso de cocaína debe ser considerada como diagnós tico diferencial en pacientes jóvenes con dolor abdominal agudo y/o sangrado rectal.

Introduction: Cocaine use is a major problem worldwide. Chronic users have serious medical complications that affect the vascular system, which can lead to serious ischemic events. We describe a case of intestinal perforation secondary to ischemic colitis caused by cocaine. Case report: A 21-year-old man with a history of cocaine started 5 days before with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. With a diagnosis of a perforated intestine, a exploratory laparo tomy was performed, in which a perforation of the anterior wall of the cecum was found. A right hemicolectomy with ileostomy and a mucocutaneous fistula of the transverse colon were carried out. Discussion: Perforations are caused by local ischemia of the mucosa and parietal necrosis. In this patient, a urine test for cocaine was positive, in addition to the history of intensive use of this substance and a pathology report. Conclusion: Ischemic colitis associated with cocaine use should be considered as a differential diagnosis in young patients with acute abdominal pain and/or rectal bleeding.

Hepatitis C: clinical and biological features related to different forms of cocaine use / Hepatite C: características clínicas e biológicas relacionadas às diferentes formas de uso da cocaína

Abstract Introduction Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is related with several liver diseases such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinomas, leading to more than 0.5 million deaths every year and to a great global burden. It is known that injection drug users show a high prevalence of HCV infection, being considered a risk group for this disease. Cocaine users seem to be in greater risk than other drug users, and several hypotheses for this association are being studied. Aim To review data on HCV infection in cocaine users, taking into consideration the relevance of the different routes of drug administration and other risk behaviors. Methods This was a narrative review performed in the main scientific databases. Results and conclusion Data suggest that cocaine use could be associated with HCV infection due to the specificities of cocaine consumption pattern, even in those subjects who do not inject drugs, in addition to other risky behaviors, such as tattooing and unprotected sex. Injectable cocaine users seem to be more susceptible to contamination than users who do not inject drugs. However, evidence is pointing to the possibility of infection by sharing drug paraphernalia other than syringes. Moreover, specific immune system impairments caused by cocaine use are also being linked with HCV infection susceptibility, persistence and increased pathological effects.

Resumo Introdução O vírus da hepatite C (HCV) está relacionado com graves patologias hepáticas, como a cirrose e o carcinoma hepatocelular, causando mais de meio milhão de mortes todos os anos, o que reflete um problema de saúde mundial. Sabe-se que usuários de drogas injetáveis possuem alta prevalência de infecção pelo HCV, sendo por isso considerados um dos maiores grupos de risco. Usuários de cocaína parecem ter maior risco de contrair o vírus do que usuários de outras drogas, e diversas hipóteses para essa associação estão sendo estudadas. Objetivo Revisar evidências de associação da infecção pelo HCV em usuários de cocaína, considerando a relevância das diferentes formas de administração da droga e comportamentos de risco. Métodos Esta foi uma revisão narrativa realizada nos principais bancos de dados científicos. Resultados e conclusão As evidências atuais sugerem que o uso de cocaína pode estar associado com a infecção por HCV devido às especificidades do padrão de consumo da droga, mesmo naqueles indivíduos que não fazem uso de drogas injetáveis, além de outros comportamentos de risco, como tatuagens e sexo desprotegido. Usuários de cocaína injetável parecem estar mais suscetíveis à contaminação do que usuários de cocaína não injetável. Entretanto, há a possibilidade de infecção devido ao compartilhamento de outros equipamentos de uso além das seringas (cachimbos, por exemplo). Além disso, prejuízos do sistema imune causados pela cocaína também parecem estar associados com a suscetibilidade de infecção pelo HCV, além da manutenção e piora dos sintomas da doença.

Case for diagnosis. Palate perforation due to cocaine use

Abstract: We report a 42-year-old cocaine addicted female patient referred for evaluation of hard palate ulceration resulting in oro-sinus communication with difficulties in swallowing and phonation, an rhino-sinusitis. Acrylic and removable silicone prosthesis was prescribed to relieve severe functional disorders. It is essential that the patient permanently abandons cocaine use to perform surgical reconstruction.

Pulmonary foreign body granulomatosis in a chronic user of powder cocaine / Granulomatose pulmonar de corpo estranho em um usuário crônico de cocaína em pó

ABSTRACT We describe the case of a 33-year-old man, a chronic user of powder cocaine, who presented with dyspnea, fever, night sweats, and significant weight loss. Chest HRCT revealed centrilobular nodules, giving an initial impression of miliary tuberculosis. Therefore, he was started on an empirical, four-drug antituberculosis treatment regimen. Four weeks later, despite the tuberculosis treatment, he continued to have the same symptoms. We then performed transbronchial lung biopsy. Histopathological analysis of the biopsy sample revealed birefringent foreign body granuloma. A corroborative history of cocaine snorting, the presence of centrilobular nodules, and the foreign body-related histopathological findings led to a diagnosis of pulmonary foreign body granulomatosis. This report underscores the fact that pulmonary foreign body granulomatosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of clinical profiles resembling tuberculosis.

RESUMO Descrevemos o caso de um homem de 33 anos de idade, usuário crônico de cocaína em pó, que apresentava dispneia, febre, sudorese noturna e perda de peso significativa. A TCAR de tórax revelou nódulos centrolobulares, dando uma impressão inicial de tuberculose miliar. Por isso, o paciente passou a receber tratamento empírico com quatro tuberculostáticos. Quatro semanas depois, apesar do tratamento antituberculose, o paciente continuou a apresentar os mesmos sintomas. Foi então realizada a biópsia pulmonar transbrônquica. A análise histopatológica da amostra obtida revelou granuloma de corpo estranho birrefringente. A história de uso de cocaína por inalação, a presença de nódulos centrolobulares e os achados histopatológicos de corpos estranhos confirmaram o diagnóstico de granulomatose pulmonar de corpo estranho. Este relato destaca o fato de que a granulomatose pulmonar de corpo estranho deve ser incluída no diagnóstico diferencial de perfis clínicos que se assemelham a tuberculose.

Sexual addiction in drug addicts: The impact of drug of choice and poly-addiction / Dependência sexual em dependentes químicos: o impacto de diferentes drogas de escolha e de polidependência

Summary Objective: To compare the risk of comorbid sexual addiction in a sample of individuals with a diagnosis of substance dependence, stratifying the sample by drug of choice as well as by mono versus polysubstance addiction. Method: All data were collected at Santa Casa de São Paulo, Brazil. The study sample comprised all alcohol or drug dependents admitted to the Addiction Treatment Unit between November 2013 and August 2014. A generalized linear model with a binomial distribution was performed to compare the odds of having a Sexual Addiction Screening Test (SAST) score greater than 6 points in the subgroups analyzed. Results: A total of 133 participants were included in our analysis, all reporting cocaine/crack and/or alcohol as drug of choice. Polysubstance addicts had a significant higher risk of a positive screening for sexual addiction compared to monosubstance addicts, age-sex adjusted odds ratios of sexual addiction being respectively 2.72 (95CI 1.1-6.71) and 0.37 (95CI 0.15-0.91). The odds of a SAST score greater than 6 was not statistically different between the cocaine/crack and alcohol groups, respectively 0.38 (95CI 0.14-1.02) and 2.67 (95CI 0.98-7.25). We found a significant relation between stronger drug addiction and greater levels of sexual addiction in the cocaine/crack group (p=0.0012), but not in the alcohol group. Conclusion: Our study reinforces the importance of assessing sexual behavior of drug addicts in clinical practice, especially considering users of multiple substances or with severe dependence.

Resumo Objetivo: Comparar o risco de dependência sexual em uma amostra de indivíduos com diagnóstico de dependência química, estratificados por droga de escolha e por dependência única ou de múltiplas substâncias. Método: Todos os dados foram coletados na Santa Casa de São Paulo, Brasil. A amostra estudada correspondeu a todos os indivíduos dependentes de álcool ou outras substâncias admitidos no Ambulatório de Dependência Química entre novembro de 2013 e agosto de 2014. Modelos lineares generalizados com distribuição binomial foram utilizados para comparar o risco de escores maiores que seis na Escala de Rastreamento para Dependência de Sexo (SAST) nos subgrupos analisados. Resultados: Foram analisados os dados de 133 pacientes usuários de cocaína/crack e/ou álcool. Usuários de múltiplas substâncias apresentaram risco significativamente maior de um screening positivo para dependência sexual comparados com usuários de uma única substância. Os odds ratios de dependência sexual ajustados por sexo e idade obtidos nos dois grupos foram, respectivamente, 2.72 (IC95% 1.1-6.71) e 0.37 (IC95% 0.15-0.91). O risco de dependência sexual entre usuários de cocaína/crack e álcool foi estimado, respectivamente, em 0.38 (IC95% 0.14-1.02) e 2.67 (IC95% 0.98-7.25), não indicando diferença significativa. Foi encontrada uma relação significativa entre severidade de dependência química e maiores níveis de dependência sexual entre dependentes de cocaína/crack, mas não de álcool. Conclusão: Nosso estudo reforça a importância de avaliar o comportamento sexual de dependentes químicos na prática clínica, especialmente considerando usuários de múltiplas substâncias, ou casos de maior severidade.

Oral health assessment for users of marijuana and cocaine/crack substances

Abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the oral health status of users of illicit drugs such as marijuana and cocaine/crack and compare it with individuals not using these chemical substances. Questionnaires were applied to 35 illicit drugs users to gather information on demographic status, general health, and use of drugs. Then, a clinical assessment of the oral health condition was performed to collect data on decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index, salivary flow rate (SFR), and mucosal lesions. The control group was composed of 35 non-illicit drug users. In the experimental group, 91.43% were males, 80% were smokers, and 42.85% were alcoholics. Cocaine was the most common drug used (77.15%), followed by marijuana (68.6%), and crack (51.4%). The average DMFT index was 9.8 and the SFR was reduced in 60% of subjects. Mucosal alterations were detected, but no potentially malignant disorders or oral cancer were diagnosed. Compared to control group, significantly higher values for gender (40%, p = 0.0001), smoking (22.86%) and heavy drinking (5.7%) habits (p = 0.0001), SFR (31.4%; p = 0.0308), and oral lesions (p = 0.0488) were found for the experimental group, although significantly higher values were found in the control group for DMFT index (p = 0.0148). It can be concluded that the use of illicit drugs contributed to an increased prevalence of oral mucosa lesions. In addition, a decline on SFR and a reduced DMFT index was observed for illicit drug users.

Main mental disorders in crack-cocaine users treated at Psychosocial Care Centers for Alcohol and Drugs in the city of Recife, Brazil / Principais transtornos mentais em usuários de crack em tratamento nos Centros de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Drogas na cidade do Recife, Brasil

Abstract Introduction: Brazil's Northeast region has the highest crack-cocaine consumption in the country. Crack-cocaine has more intense effects than cocaine powder and can cause greater chemical dependence. Psychosocial Care Centers for Alcohol and Drugs (CAPSad) are public health services that provide treatment for drug dependence. It is common for drug users, and particularly crack-cocaine users, to develop mental disorders. Objective: To evaluate the most common mental disorders in crack-cocaine dependents in treatment at CAPSad in the city of Recife, Brazil. Methods: The research database "Between rocks and shots: user profiles, consumption strategies, and social impact of crack cocaine" (CEP/CCS/UFPE no. 206/11) was consulted to establish the areas of crack cocaine consumption in the city of Recife. Results: There were 885 patients in treatment for crack-cocaine use, with a mean age of 29.8±9.4 years. The mean duration of drug use was 6.1±4.6 years. Most of the patients were males (80.3%), had left school at some point between the 1st and 9th grades (45.6%), were unemployed and/or seeking employment (52%) and used drugs daily (56.4%). Cocaine chemical dependence was more significant when correlated with use of crack-cocaine and other drugs such as medications and hallucinogens (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Data from this study showed strong associations between crack-cocaine uses and development of mental disorders, particularly when abuse of multiple substances occurs. Based on these data, there is a clear need for coordination of related public policies for support and social reintegration to provide these people with comprehensive care.

Resumo Introdução: A região Nordeste do Brasil possui o maior consumo de crack no país. O crack proporciona efeitos mais intensos comparados aos da cocaína em pó, podendo causar dependência química maior. Os Centros de Atenção Psicossocial Álcool e Drogas (CAPSad) são serviços públicos de saúde que promovem o tratamento para dependência de drogas. Normalmente, o uso de drogas pode desenvolver transtornos mentais, principalmente em usuários de crack. Objetivo: Avaliar os principais transtornos mentais em dependentes de crack em tratamento nos CAPSad da cidade do Recife. Métodos: O banco de dados da pesquisa "Entre pedras e tiros: perfil dos usuários, estratégias de consumo e impacto social do crack" (CEP/CCS/UFPE nº 206/11) foi consultado para estabelecer as áreas de consumo de crack na cidade do Recife. Resultados: Havia 885 pacientes em tratamento devido ao uso de crack, com média de idade de 29,8±9,4 anos. A duração média do uso de drogas foi de 6,1±4,6 anos. A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo masculino (80,3%), com primeiro ao nono ano incompleto (45,6%), desempregados e/ou procurando emprego (52%) e uso diário de drogas (56,4%). A dependência química da cocaína foi mais significativa quando correlacionada ao uso associado de crack e outras drogas como medicamentos e alucinógenos (p = 0,01) . Conclusão: Os dados deste estudo mostraram fortes associações entre uso de crack e desenvolvimento de transtornos mentais, particularmente quando ocorre multiuso. Mostra-se a necessidade de coordenação de outras políticas públicas de apoio e reintegração social para atendimento integral a essas pessoas.