Intoxicación aguda por MDMA Serie de casos / ACUTE INTOXICATION BY MDMA (ECTASY) REPORT OF 4 CONSECUTIVE PATIENTS

ABSTRACT

Drugs are a rising problem with today teens. One of these up and coming substances is ectasy. Properly known as MDMA (methyldioxymethamphetamine), is most commonly used at clubes, raves, and atmospheres where there are a lot of people and loud music. MDMA commonly known as ectasy, is a psychoactive drug used as a recreational drug. Desidered effects of its abuse include empathy, euphoria and heightened sensations. When taken by mouth effects begin after 30-45 minutes and lasts 3-5 hours. Adverse effects of MDMA use include addiction, memory problems, paranoia, difficulty sleeping, blurred vision, sweating and a rapid heartheat. Use may also lead to depression and fatigue. Deaths have been reported due to increased body temperature and dehydration. MDMA influences in neurotransmitters serotonin. MDMA generally is illegal in most countries. In general, MDMA users begin reporting effects within 30 to 50 minutes of consumption. The most serious short-term physical health risks of MDMA are hyperthermia and dehydration. Cases of life-threatening or fatal hyponatremia (excessively low sodium concentration in the blood) have developed in MDMA users attemping to prevent dehydration by consuming excessive amount of water without replenishing electrolytes. MDMA overdose intoxication symptoms vary widely due to the involvement of multiple organ system. In most fatalities MDMA was not the only drug involved. Acute toxicity is mainly caused by serotonin syndrome and sympthomimetic effects. MDMA´s toxicity in overdose may be exacerbated by caffeine, with which it is frequently cut (mixed with to increase volume). Caffeine provokes adverse interactions with MDMA ectasy. Polydipsia is another mechanism of hyponatremia after ectasy ingestion. During april 2016, four patients comming from an electronic party were assisted at the Emergentology service from the "Juan Fernandez" hospital from the city of Buenos Aires. The clinical features of these patients are described, and the treatment and the evolution observed, are documented.