Use of poppers (nitrite inhalants) among young men who have sex with men with HIV: A clinic-based qualitative study.

Nitrite inhalants (poppers) are associated with HIV transmission and commonly used among young men who have sex with men (YMSM), a group at increased risk for HIV. Significant research gaps exist in understanding the context in which YMSM use poppers. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 YMSM (22-31 years) with HIV to better understand the context in which poppers are used and their impacts on HIV care outcomes, such as care retention and antiretroviral adherence. The Social Ecological Model was applied to understand intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, and system level influences on popper use. Factors influencing popper use included: ubiquity of popper use in sexual settings, introduction to poppers by casual sexual partners, patient-HIV provider communication surrounding poppers, neighborhood, substance use and HIV care systems, and the legal status of poppers. Implications for clinical care, public health, policy, and future research are discussed.

Out of the Blue: Methemoglobinemia Associated With the Use of Amyl Nitrite in Rush Poppers for Erectile Stimulation.

We report a clinical scenario involving a 51-year-old male patient with a history of prediabetes and gastritis who exhibited altered mental status following the consumption of poppers, a supplement containing nitrites, which is used for erectile stimulation. Shortly after the ingestion, the patient experienced convulsions, foaming at the mouth, and subsequently developed altered mental status and severe respiratory distress. The diagnosis of methemoglobinemia was confirmed based on elevated methemoglobin levels on venous blood gas analysis. Notably, the patient's blood had a chocolate-colored appearance upon admission, which is a characteristic finding in methemoglobinemia. Prompt recognition and management, including the administration of methylene blue, led to the resolution of symptoms. This case highlights the potential complications associated with the consumption of poppers and emphasizes the importance of early intervention.

Foveal photoreceptor disruption in ocular diseases: An optical coherence tomography-based differential diagnosis.

Fovea centralis, located at the center of the macula, is packed with cone photoreceptors and is responsible for central visual acuity. Isolated foveal photoreceptor disruption may occur in a variety of hereditary, degenerative, traumatic, and toxic chorioretinal diseases. These have been known previously by multiple synonyms including macular microhole, foveal spot, and outer foveal microdefects. A common clinical feature underlying these conditions is the presence of apparently normal fovea or subtle hypopigmented lesion at the foveal or juxtafoveal area. A detailed history along with high-resolution optical coherence tomography is often helpful to derive a conclusive diagnosis in majority of these cases. Focal photoreceptor disruption usually involves loss or rarefaction of ellipsoid/interdigitation zone, either in isolation or associated with external limiting membrane or retinal pigment epithelium disruption in the fovea. Vitreomacular interface (VMI) disorders including vitreomacular traction, posterior vitreous detachment, epiretinal membrane, and impending macular hole possibly remain the most common cause. Retinal dystrophies such as cone dystrophy, occult macular dystrophy, and achromatopsia may present with diminution of vision and normal appearing fundus in a younger age group. Other causes include photic retinopathy (e.g., from a history of sun gazing or laser pointer exposure), blunt trauma, drug exposure (e.g., poppers maculopathy or tamoxifen retinopathy), and acute retinal pigment epitheliopathy (ARPE). Visual prognosis depends on the underlying etiology with complete recovery common in the subset of patients with VMI, and ARPE, whereas persistent outer retinal defects are the rule in other conditions. We discuss the differential diagnoses that lead to isolated foveal photoreceptor defects. Identifying and understanding the underlying disease processes that cause foveal photoreceptor disruption may help predict visual prognosis.

Reversible Neurotoxicity Due To Excessive Use of Ethyl Chloride.

BACKGROUND: Ethyl chloride is commercially available as a DVD/VCR cleaner, and can be found as a gasoline additive and topical anesthetic. There is an emerging trend of recreational huffing to enhance sexual relations. Neurotoxicity from repeated abuse is uncommon. CASE REPORT: A 36-year-old man with a history of intermittent ethyl chloride use for 15 years presented to the Emergency Department with an inability to walk for 4 days after frequent use for 1 week. The patient reported a rapid titration of inhalation from zero to eight cans of 4.6 oz ethyl chloride aerosol per day over a 1-week period. Initial vital signs were heart rate 88 beats/min, blood pressure 147/60 mm Hg, temperature 37.2°C (99°F), and respiratory rate 16 breaths/min. Physical examination was notable for slurred speech, ptosis, a wide-based and ataxic gait with short strides, inability to stand without support, loss of toe/finger proprioception, horizontal and vertical nystagmus, and dysmetria on coordination testing. Strength and sensation were preserved. His work-up included computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain, cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine that demonstrated no acute abnormalities. On hospital day 9, the patient was able to ambulate with mild difficulty. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Toxicity from excessive ethyl chloride huffing has been rarely reported. The toxicity was characterized with cerebellar findings, no attributable laboratory abnormalities, and no radiographic abnormalities on computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging. The neurotoxicity resolved with supportive care. This case of excessive huffing of ethyl chloride presenting with neurotoxicity and ataxia further characterizes a rare complication of ethyl chloride toxicity that is gaining popularity.

Examining Inhalant Use Among Sexual Minority Adults in a National Sample: Drug-Specific Risks or Generalized Risk?

Purpose: The study objective was to compare use of 12 specific inhalants among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults relative to heterosexual adults among a national sample. Methods: Data on 210,392 adults, including 15,007 LGB adults, were from the 2015 to 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. For each inhalant type, logistic regression was used to characterize differences by sexual identity and gender. Unadjusted and demographic adjusted odds ratios are reported. Results: All LGB groups exhibited elevated use of multiple inhalant types (ranging from 5 for gay males to 12 for bisexual females). The largest disparities were for poppers among gay and bisexual males. Gay and bisexual males initiated use at older ages. Conclusion: Observed disparities among LGB adults included inhalants used in a sexual or club context (e.g., poppers) as well as types with particularly elevated fatality risk (e.g., butane, propane, aerosol sprays, and nitrous oxide).

'Poppers Maculopathy' and the adverse ophthalmic outcomes from the recreational use of alkyl nitrate inhalants: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to provide an overview of reported cases of poppers maculopathy and a statistical analysis of the clinical presentations, anatomical changes and treatment and follow-up of the rare disease. METHODS: A systematic search of CINAHL, Embase and PubMed databases was conducted, including a search of the grey literature. Data were pooled to provide a summary of the clinical characteristics and outcomes of poppers maculopathy. Studies were critically appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute or the Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date, Significance checklists. RESULTS: Of the 493 articles obtained, 32 were included, consisting of 113 participants with a mean age of 40.2. Most patients were male with bilateral maculopathy and presented with either vision loss or a visual disturbance. Cessation of popper use was the most common form of management prescribed. The mean VA at baseline was 0.22 (logMAR units). For those followed-up, the mean VA significantly improved from 0.24 to 0.11 (Z = -5.800, p = <0.001). Bilateral yellow foveal spots were viewed on fundoscopy in 53 patients, and a sub-foveal disturbance of the ellipsoid layer was reported on spectral domain optical coherence tomography in 89 patients. By 6 months, SD-OCT anatomical changes mostly improved or resolved. CONCLUSION: Recreational users of poppers who develop maculopathy generally present with vision loss or a visual disturbance secondary to foveal disruption. Patients have a good visual prognosis, with cessation of poppers potentially having a role in improved outcomes. With the high prevalence of use among gay and bisexual men, awareness of related maculopathy and presenting symptoms by clinicians is important to mitigate side effects.

Poppers use and HIV infection-a literature review.

INTRODUCTION: During the HIV surge in the 1980s, inhaled volatile nitrites (poppers) were hypothesized as a possible cause of the AIDS. Later it was found that poppers use was not the cause but rather a marker associated with HIV acquisition and sexual behaviors without the use of prevention tools. OBJECTIVES: This article reviews the available literature regarding the association between poppers use and newly acquired HIV, aiming to support the hypothesis that there is no causal association between nitrites use and HIV transmission and to discuss other contributing factors. METHODS: We searched all studies published until March 2022 that discussed poppers use and HIV. We extracted relevant information, such as authors and publication year, country where the study was conducted, study design, characteristics of the population, number of participants, objectives of the study, methods, results, and limitations. RESULTS: The search identified 1956 abstracts, and 1915 were excluded after title review. Forty-one abstracts were assessed, and 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. The majority of the studies found an association between nitrites use and HIV transmission. Four studies associated HIV transmission with sexual behavior without the use of prevention tools, and 5 articles associated nitrites use with this kind of sexual behavior. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show a complex association among nitrites use, sexual behaviors without the use of prevention tools, and sexually transmitted infections; furthermore, it is impossible to make causal inferences between poppers use and HIV disease. The data suggest that it is vital to consider this substance use when planning health policies for specific populations, such as men who have sex with men, focusing on harm reduction strategies, psychoeducation, and orientations on sex with the use of prevention tools. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42020181437. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=181437.

[An unusual case of central cyanosis]. / Un cas inhabituel de cyanose centrale.

We report the case of a 29-year-old man admitted to the emergency department for dyspnea and changes in mental status during a festivity. Clinically the patient presented a central cyanosis refractory to the administration of high concentration of oxygen. The consumption of poppers is increasingly used by young people for recreational purposes because they are inexpensive and easy to acquire. Methemoglobinemia is a potentially serious and little known complication of popper intoxication. This condition, known as «methemoglobinemia¼, was suspected by the emergency physician and confirmed through non-invasive measurement of methemoglobinemia in arterial blood gases. The early recognition of methemoglobinemia and prompt treatment allowed a favourable evolution of our patient avoiding the development of multi-systemic organ failure or even death.

Nous rapportons le cas d'un homme de 29 ans admis pour dyspnée et altération de l'état de conscience survenue dans le décours d'une soirée festive. Le tableau clinique est marqué par une cyanose centrale réfractaire à l'administration d'oxygène au masque à haute concentration. La consommation de poppers à usage récréatif est de plus en plus fréquente chez les jeunes adultes. C'est une substance peu coûteuse et facile d'accès, consommée, notamment, pour ses propriétés euphorisantes. La méthémoglobinémie est une complication potentiellement grave et peu connue de l'intoxication par poppers. Dans le cas présenté, la méthémoglobinémie, suspectée par le médecin urgentiste, a pu être confirmée rapidement par une mesure non invasive à la gazométrie artérielle. La reconnaissance précoce de la méthémoglobinémie et l'initiation d'un traitement efficace ont permis une évolution rapidement favorable et d'éviter une défaillance multi-systémique pouvant conduire au décès du patient.

Racial Variations in Psychosocial Vulnerabilities Linked to Differential Poppers Use and Associated HIV-Related Outcomes among Young Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Study in Two U.S. Metropolitan Areas.

Background: Poppers use has become increasingly prevalent and is associated with elevated HIV risk among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) in urban settings. However, knowledge regarding racial variations of poppers use and their psychosocial determinants to inform culturally-targeted interventions remain limited. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among YMSM recruited from two US metropolitan areas (Nashville, TN and Buffalo, NY) to investigate the differences of socio-environmental and mental health factors associated with poppers use and important HIV-related outcomes [e.g., HIV testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP, substance use, and risky sexual behaviors] among White and Black YMSM (i.e., YWMSM and YBMSM). Results: Among 347 YMSM aged 18-35 years, 32.3% reported poppers use. Notably, poppers-using YWMSM were more likely (p < 0.05) to report mental health burdens (e.g., depression, anxiety, loneliness), while poppers-using YBMSM were more likely (p < 0.05) to experience adverse social-environmental events (e.g., unstable housing, food insecurity, no health insurance, perceived HIV stigma, internalized homonegativity). Poppers-using YMSM showed a higher prevalence of sexual risk behaviors (e.g., event-level alcohol/drug use, condomless insertive/receptive anal sex, group sex) compared to their non-user counterparts, with YWMSM showing the highest likelihood to engage in these risk behaviors. Compared to poppers-using YBMSM, poppers-using YWMSM were associated with a higher likelihood of ever testing for HIV, ever using PrEP and willingness to use PrEP in the next 12 months. Conclusion: Given the distinctive patterns of psychosocial determinants of poppers use between YWMSM and YBMSM, culturally-tailored poppers reduction programs should be designed to tackle the associated HIV risks among YMSM with effectivenes.

Poppers maculopathy: A quantitative review of previous literature.

AIM: To review the available literature on poppers maculopathy (PM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients (60 with bilateral and 4 with unilateral involvement), for a total of 124 eyes were reported in PubMed, Google Scholar and Embase. Patterns were analyzed according to country, age, gender, sexual orientation, HIV status, consumption habits, visual acuity at presentation (VAP), final visual acuity (VAF) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS: Most cases (110 eyes) of PM were reported in European countries and affected middle-aged men (only 8 eyes from female users). The median age was 38.7 years (SD = 10.5 years). Final visual acuity (Median = 0.8; Interquartile range: 0.67-1) was higher than visual acuity at presentation (Median = 0.67; Interquartile range: 0.4-0.8). Many articles lack data on sexual orientation and HIV status as this is considered very personal information. One third of the eyes (40 eyes) developed PM after a single exposure. No significant differences were found between eyes that developed PM after a single exposure and those which developed the condition after several exposures. The most commonly reported pattern was an interruption of the ellipsoid line (68 eyes). CONCLUSION: PM is more prevalent in Europe or European ophthalmologists are more likely to diagnose PM. PM usually affects middle-aged men given that this condition generally appears with chronic exposure to poppers. VAF was higher than VAP, suggesting that this toxicity is in part reversible. Information about HIV status was not provided in most recent articles, thus it is not possible to make inferences about the possible implication of HIV drugs as cofactors for the development of this retinal toxicity.

Assessment of the microvasculature in poppers maculopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate a possible microvascular component of poppers maculopathy (PMP) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: Twelve patients suffering from poppers maculopathy were included. Health records, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and OCTA data was gathered and compared to a healthy control group (HC). PMP lesion type was determined by manifestation in OCT. OCTA-based evaluation of retinal vascular plexus and choriocapillaris (CC) was executed. Vessel density (VD) and vessel length density (VLD) in superficial and deep capillary plexus (SCP, DCP), as well as flow deficits (FD), within the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in CC were assessed. RESULTS: Median age of PMP patients was 40 (min 24; max 64) years, all male. Eleven patients presented with ellipsoid zone-type lesions; one patient showed a vitelliform-type lesion. No qualitative microvascular changes between PMP patients and HC were identified. Quantitative values for VD and VLD of SCP and DCP did not differ in between the two groups. The analysis of FDs in CC showed no deviation from PMP patients to HC. CONCLUSIONS: No vascular anomalies in qualitative and quantitative analysis in OCTA were detected in PMP patients. The constitution of the CC within FAZ of PMP patients does not differ from HC when assessed as FD.

Queering poppers literature: A critical interpretive synthesis of health sciences research on alkyl nitrite use and Canadian policy.

BACKGROUND: Poppers (alkyl nitrites) are vasodilators used by many gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (GBMSM) to relieve pain, enhance pleasure, and facilitate penetration during sex. In 2013, the Canadian government cracked down on the sale of poppers products, however prevalence of poppers use among GBMSM in Canada remains high. Poppers have been studied by medical researchers since the 1980s, yet qualitative and community-based research to inform federal policy, remains somewhat less common. METHODS: We conducted a critical interpretive synthesis (CIS) to better understand poppers health literature using the medical model of health as a point of reference. Analysis was performed using inductive and deductive methods including reflexive note-taking, mind-mapping, and close coding. 153 publications were identified to inform this review of which 5 were chosen for coding based on a purposive sampling framework. RESULTS: Our findings are unified within a theoretical construct we term responsibility. Responsibility is a construct we use to describe the bias we identified in health sciences literature regarding poppers use that tends to exaggerate the necessity for poppers cessation, and devalue both the benefits of poppers use and the perspectives and experiences of people who use poppers. The emphasis on individual behavior change within the literature appears to be motivated less by objective measures or assessments of health risks and outcomes, and more by harmful stereotypes that position gay men and people who use drugs as inherently irresponsible. CONCLUSION: We conclude by discussing how these findings have important implications for the review of current policy on poppers sales in Canada which remains influenced by a literature base prejudiced by factors such as homophobia, heteronormativity, and drug stigma, and recommend areas for future work.

[Poppers maculopathy (case study)]. / Poppers-makulopatiya (klinicheskoe nablyudenie).

The article presents a clinical case of poppers-associated maculopathy - a maculopathy of toxic genesis, insufficiently represented in Russian scientific literature. The diagnosis was based on anamnestic data (long-term use of poppers), specific structural disorders of the outer layers of the retina in the foveolar zone according to spectral optical coherence tomography, as well as changes in multifocal and ganzfeld electroretinography readings. The main strategy for patients with this disorder is complete rejection of poppers.

Poppers Use and High Methaemoglobinaemia: 'Dangerous Liaisons'.

Poppers are legal and largely used in France despite severe side effects, such as methaemoglobinaemia (MetHbia). Our work aimed to assess the prevalence of poppers consumers among patients with a MetHbia higher than or equal to 5% in French university hospitals and its evolution before and after the legalization of poppers in France. We conducted a national multicentre observational retrospective study. All patients for whom at least one MetHbia measurement was performed from 2012 to 2017 in university hospitals where the French addictovigilance network (FAN) is implanted were included. For each MetHbia measurement exceeding or equal to 5%, a return to the clinical file was made by the FAN to assess poppers consumption. We calculated the prevalence of MetHbia exceeding or equal to 5% and 25% and the prevalence of poppers consumption before and after the legalization. A total of 239 (0.14%) patients had a MetHbia level exceeding or equal to 5% with 25 (10.46%) cases of poppers consumption. Poppers consumption represented 68.4% (13 out of 19) of cases with MetHbia greater than or equal to 25%. Poppers consumption among patients with MetHbia exceeding or equal to 5% increased after the legalization from 4.76% to 11.67% (prevalence ratio PR = 2.45, 95% CI = [0.98-8.37], p-value = 0.190). The proportion of patients with a MetHbia level of 25% or more increased after the legalization from 4.76% to 8.63% (PR = 1.81, 95% CI = [0.68-6.82], p-value = 0.374). The use of poppers is very frequently reported by patients with MetHbia greater than or equal to 25%.

AOSLO imaging in poppers maculopathy shows high resolution loss of central macular cones.

PURPOSE: To use new adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (AOSLO) technology to better image macular pathology in poppers maculopathy. OBSERVATIONS: A 40-year-old patient was found to have poppers maculopathy. Best corrected visual acuity was decreased to 20/40 OD and 20/50 OS, spectral domain optical coherence tomography found outer retinal disruption of the fovea, and AOSLO imaging showed significant decrease in cone density of the fovea of both eyes. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Poppers maculopathy is a rare, but visually significant, complication of popper abuse. AOSLO technology demonstrates significant cone damage in poppers maculopathy. The striking loss of cones revealed by AOSLO imaging shows how AOSLO imaging can elucidate macular pathology.

Poppers, by Inducing HHV-8 Virion Production, Can Act as a Promoter for HHV-8 Transmission in Men Who Have Sex With Men.

Environmental factors were reported to increase the risk of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) transmission. In a population of men who have sex with men (MSM), we found evidence that chemsex was associated with human herpesvirus 8 seropositivity in vivo and that poppers induced HHV-8 virion production in vitro. Our finding may explain the higher HHV-8 transmission in MSM.

Social and Behavioral Correlates of Sexually Transmitted Infections among Men who Have Sex with Men who Use Alcohol in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among men who have sex with men (MSM) is driven by various socio-behavioral factors. From 2015-2017, 247 MSM ≥ 18 years-old who reported alcohol use in the past year, were recruited into a cross-sectional study in San Francisco. Participants completed a survey assessing socio-demographics, substance use and treatment, sexual behaviors, HIV status and self-reported STI diagnosis in the past 6 months. Multivariable logistic regression models stratified by HIV status were used to identify the correlates of STIs. Of 247 MSM, the prevalence of bacterial STIs were: gonorrhea (12.9%), chlamydia (9.3%) and syphilis (6.0%). Among 177 MSM living without HIV, factors significantly associated with recent STI diagnosis were: current pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use (aOR = 3.53, 95% CI: 1.42-8.75, p ≤ .01), popper use during sex in the past 6 months (aOR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.34-7.47, p ≤ .01) and a history of alcohol treatment (aOR = 0.17, 95% CI = 0.04-0.68, p = .01). Also, in a sensitivity analysis (removing PrEP), any receptive condomless anal sex was independently associated with recent STI diagnosis (aOR = 2.86, 95% CI = 1.15-7.08, p = .02). Among 70 MSM living with HIV, factors significantly associated with recent STI diagnosis were: White race/ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 7.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.48-36.62, p = .01), younger age (aOR = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.84-0.97, p < .01) and a higher number of male sexual partners in the past 6 months (aOR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.00-1.06, p = .02). Sexual health interventions that address the unique needs of MSM living with and without HIV who use alcohol in San Francisco are needed to reduce STI acquisition and transmission.

Delineating patterns of sexualized substance use and its association with sexual and mental health outcomes among young gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in Singapore: a latent class analysis.

BACKGROUND: Young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (YMSM) are vulnerable to the risks associated with sexualized substance use. This is a novel study in Singapore that aims to classify patterns of sexualized substance use among YMSM, and investigate its association with sexual and mental health outcomes. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study among 570 YMSM aged 18 to 25 years old, latent class analysis (LCA) conducted to identify classes with similar patterns of sexualized substance use, across which measures of inconsistent condom use, recent STI diagnoses, past suicide ideation and depression severity were compared. RESULTS: LCA revealed three classes of YMSM based on types of substances ever used in sexualized contexts, which we labelled as 'substance-naive', 'substance-novice', and 'chemsex'. Substance-naive participants (n = 404) had only ever used alcohol, while substance-novice participants (n = 143) were primarily amyl nitrite users with a small proportion who reported using chemsex-related drugs. Chemsex participants (n = 23) comprised individuals who had mostly used such drugs. Those in the chemsex group were more likely to report recent unprotected anal sex with casual partners (aPR = 3.28, 95%CI [1.85, 5.79]), depression severity (aß = 3.69, 95%CI [0.87, 6.51]) and a history of suicide ideation (aPR = 1.64, 95%CI [1.33, 2.03]). CONCLUSIONS: Findings of this study highlight how the use of varying substances in sexualized contexts may be classified and characterized by different sexual and mental health outcomes. Health promotion efforts should be differentiated accordingly to address the risks associated with sexualized substance use among YMSM.

Methemoglobinemia caused by volatile nitrites derivates ('poppers') / Illékony nitritszármazékok ("popperek") által okozott methaemoglobinaemia.

Összefoglaló. A methaemoglobinaemia az oxigén szállítására képtelen methemoglobin szintjének kóros emelkedését jelenti a vérben, ami jelentos szöveti oxigénhiányt okozhat, súlyos, akár életveszélyes tünetekhez vezethet. Methaemoglobinaemiát számos, oxidáló hatású exogén anyag idézhet elo, ezek közé tartoznak a partidrogként használt alkil-nitritek, az ún. "popperek" is. A "poppereket" korábban "alacsony rizikójú" drogként tartották számon, azonban számos esetet közöltek, amikor súlyos, idonként fatális kimenetelu methaemoglobinaemiát okoztak. A folyadékok gozének belélegzése euforizáló, szexuálisvágy-fokozó és simaizom-lazító hatású, ezért a "popperek" igen népszeruek a homo- és biszexuális férfiak körében, de fiatal felnottek és tinédzserek is használják. A folyadékok szájon át való fogyasztása különösen veszélyes. A szerzok két esetet ismertetnek, amelyekben a "popperek" használatát követoen methaemoglobinaemia alakult ki. Mindkét betegnél, a jó általános állapot mellett, centrális és perifériás cyanosis tüneteit észlelték. Az alkalmazás módja (inhaláció/lenyelés), a methaemoglobinaemia súlyossága (16,4% és 57%) és a terápia eltéro volt a két betegnél. Az elso beteg oxigén adása és tüneti kezelés mellett gyógyult, a másodiknál antidotum (metilénkék) adására is szükség volt. Mindketten panaszmentesen távoztak a kórházból. A szerzok célja az volt, hogy felhívják a figyelmet az illékony alkil-nitrit-származékok által okozott methaemoglobinaemiára, annak felismerésére, kezelésére, és bemutassák azok kevésbé ismert szövodményeit is. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(8): 306-313. Summary. Methemoglobinemia means the abnormally elevated level of methemoglobin in the blood, which is incapable of oxygen transport, accordingly it can cause significant tissue hypoxia, leading to severe or even life-threatening clinical symptoms. Several exogen oxidative agents can induce methemoglobinemia, including alkyl-nitrites which are also used as party drugs, the so-called 'poppers'. The 'poppers' were previously considered 'low-risk' drugs, however, several cases have been published when they caused severe, sometimes fatal methemoglobinemia. Inhaling vapours from liquids has euphoric, smooth-muscle relaxing and aphrodisiac effects, therefore 'poppers' are extremely popular among gay and bisexual men but also used by young adults and teenagers. Oral consumption of the fluids is particularly dangerous. The authors present two cases when methemoglobinemia developed after 'poppers' usage. Both patients were in good general condition and symptoms of central and peripheral cyanosis were detected. The method of application (inhalation/ ingestion), the severity of methemoglobinemia (16,4% and 57%) and the treatment were different in the two patients. The first patient recovered with inhalation of oxygen and symptomatic treatment; the second patient required administration of antidote (methylene blue). Both patients left the hospital without complaints. The authors' aim was to attract attention to methemoglobinemia caused by volatile alkyl-nitrites, its recognition, treatment and to present their lesser-known complications. Orv Hetil. 2021; 12(8): 306-313.