[Consultations to Emergency Departments for acute psychosis associated with illycit drugs use in Spain (REDUrHE Registry)]. / Consultas a Urgencias hospitalarias por psicosis aguda asociada al consumo de drogas ilegales en España (Registro REDUrHE).

OBJECTIVE: Mental health problems are increasing in Spain, and those related to drug use are a preventable aspect of public health. In Spain there are few studies on the incidence and characteristics of acute psychosis due to illegal drug use, especially at national and multicenter level, reason that motivated this paper. METHODS: A prospective multicentre study was carried out in eleven hospital Emergency Departments in Spain, lasting twenty-four months (REDUrHE Registry). Patients with acute psychosis were compared with those with organic pathology, analysing demographic aspects, drugs involved, associated clinical manifestations and evolution Quantitative variables were compared using Student's t-test and qualitative variables were compared using the chi-squared test (or Fisher's exact test as appropriate) and the magnitude of the association with the presence of psychosis using logistic regression. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant or if the 95%CI of the OR excluded the value 1. RESULTS: Of the 4,487 patients in the registry, 9.5% presented acute psychosis, with a median age of thirty-two years and 79% male. The main clinical features were agitation (53%, p=0.001), hallucinations (43.2%, p=0.001) and anxiety (40%, p=0.00). Psychosis was more frequent with cannabis (57.7%), cocaine (42%) and amphetamines and derivatives (26.4%), although in the analysis adjusted for co-drug use (39.5%), or in association with ethyl alcohol (57.7%), it was only statistically significant for cannabis (p=0.0). Patients with psychosis required more hospital admissions (38.1% vs. 10%, p=0.001), mainly in psychiatric units (34.1% vs. 4.2%, p=0.001), with hardly any intensive care unit admissions (0.4% vs. 2.1%, p=0.01). ED stay was high (29.3±73.8 hours vs 10.5±58.8 hours, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In Spain, cannabis is the drug most associated with psychosis. This clinical condition produces more hospital admissions, although with a low risk at an organic level.

OBJETIVO: Los problemas de salud mental van en aumento en España, siendo los relacionados con el consumo de drogas una faceta prevenible en el ámbito de la Salud Pública. En España existen pocos estudios sobre la incidencia y características de la psicosis aguda por consumo de drogas ilegales, sobre todo de ámbito nacional y multicéntrico, razón que motivó este trabajo. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio multicéntrico prospectivo, de veinticuatro meses de duración, en once servicios de Urgencias hospitalarias de España (Registro REDUrHE). Se compararon los pacientes con psicosis aguda respecto a los que presentaban patología orgánica, analizando aspectos demográficos, drogas involucradas, clínica asociada y evolución. Las variables cuantitativas se compararon mediante la t de Student y cualitativas con la prueba ji al cuadrado (o el test exacto de Fisher según procediera) y la magnitud de la asociación con la presencia de psicosis mediante regresión logística. Se consideró estadísticamente significativo un valor de p menor de 0,05 o si el IC95% de la OR excluía el valor 1. RESULTADOS: De los 4.487 pacientes del registro, el 9,5% presentó psicosis aguda, con una mediana de edad de treinta y dos años y un 79% de varones. La clínica principal consistió en agitación (53%, p=0,001), alucinaciones (43,2%, p=0,001) y ansiedad (40%, p=0,00). La psicosis fue más frecuente con el consumo de cannabis (57,7%), de cocaína (42%) y de anfetaminas y derivados (26,4%), aunque en el análisis ajustado por coingesta de varias drogas (39,5%), o asociado a alcohol etílico (57,7%), sólo resultó estadísticamente significativo para el cannabis (p=0,0). Los pacientes con psicosis precisaron más ingreso hospitalario (38,1% frente a 10%, p=0,001), fundamentalmente en Unidades de psiquiatría (34,1% frente a 4,2%, p=0,001), sin apenas ingresar en unidades de cuidados intensivos (0,4% frente a 2,1%, p=0,01). La estancia en Urgencias fue más elevada (29,3±73,8 horas frente a 10,5±58,8 horas, p=0,001). CONCLUSIONES: En España, el cannabis es la droga que se relaciona en mayor medida con los casos de psicosis atendidas en Urgencias hospitalarias. Ésta clínica produce más ingresos hospitalarios, aunque con bajo riesgo a nivel orgánico.

Characteristics of drug poisonings treated in eleven Spanish emergency departments: Differentiated analysis by sex. / Características de las intoxicaciones por drogas atendidas en once servicios de urgencias españoles: Análisis diferenciado por sexo.

In order to identify the sociodemographic, clinical, emergency management and severity differences of drug poisoning treated in Emergency Departments (ED) from a gender perspective, data on patients from 11 Spanish EDs were recorded over 24 months (August 2017-July 2019). The severity of intoxication was compared by sex and was based on the combined adverse event (orotracheal intubation, cardiorespiratory arrest, intensive care hospitalization, and death). We included 4,526 patients (men 75.5%), with a mean age of 33 years. The most frequent drugs were: cocaine (47.8%), cannabis (44.4%) and amphetamines (25.5%). Men consumed more GHB (5.6% vs. 1.9%, p < .001) and less benzodiazepines (8.0% vs. 11.1%, p = .002) and alcohol (57.2% vs. 61.2%, p = .028) than women, with no differences in other types of drugs. Men presented significantly more severe bradycardia (OR = 4.39, 95%CI = 1.03-18.7), chest pain (OR = 1.72, 95%CI = 1.27-2.35) and symptomatic hypertension (OR = 1.56, 95%CI = 1.06-2.30) and less anxiety (OR = 0.74, 95%CI = 0.61-0.89) and vomiting (OR = 0.64, CI95% = 0.51-0.80). Men had more combined adverse events (3.1% vs. 2.0%, p = .047) and a greater intubations (1.9% vs. 1.0%, p = .044), with no significant differences in the adjusted model (OR = 1.349, 95%CI = 0.827-2.202 and OR = 1.371, 95%CI = 0.700-2.685, respectively). Twelve patients died (0.3%), with no differences according to sex. Drug intoxications attended in the ED differ according to sex. GHB, benzodiazepines and alcohol are more frequently involved in men than women. Cardiovascular symptomatology is more prevalent in men, while anxiety and vomiting are more frequent in women, which cannot be explained by differences in sociodemographic characteristics or the drugs used. There were no differences in the severity of the intoxication episodes.

Con el objetivo de identificar, con perspectiva de género, las diferencias sociodemográficas, clínicas, manejo en urgencias y gravedad de las intoxicaciones por drogas atendidas en Servicios de Urgencias Hospitalarias (SUH), se registraron todos los pacientes atendidos en 11 SUH españoles durante 24 meses (agosto 2017-julio 2019). La gravedad de la intoxicación se basó en el evento adverso combinado (intubación orotraqueal, parada cardiorrespiratoria, hospitalización en intensivos, y muerte), comparándose según el sexo. Cuando se encontraron diferencias significativas en sintomatología o gravedad, los resultados se ajustaron por características sociodemográficas y drogas consumidas. Se incluyeron 4.526 pacientes (hombres 75,5%), con edad media de 33 años. Las drogas más frecuentes fueron cocaína (47,8%), cánnabis (44,4%) y anfetaminas (25,5%). Hubo más GHB en hombres (5,6% vs 1,9%, p < ,001) y más benzodiacepinas (8,0% vs 11,1%, p = ,002) y alcohol (57,2% vs 61,2%, p = ,028) en mujeres, sin diferencias en otras de drogas. Los hombres tuvieron significativamente más bradicardia grave (OR = 4,39, IC95% = 1,03-18,7), dolor torácico (OR = 1,72, IC95% = 1,27-2,35) e hipertensión sintomática (OR = 1,56, IC95% = 1,06-2,30) y menos ansiedad (OR = 0,74, IC95% = 0,61-0,89) y vómitos (OR = 0,64, IC95% = 0,51-0,80). Tuvieron también más eventos adversos combinados (3,1% vs 2,0%, p = ,047) y más intubaciones (1,9% vs 1,0%, p = ,044), pero sin diferencias significativas en el modelo ajustado (OR = 1,349, IC95% = 0,827-2,202 y OR = 1,371, IC95% = 0,700-2,685, respectivamente). Fallecieron 12 pacientes (0,3%), sin diferencias según sexo. Concluimos que existen diferencias según el sexo en las drogas que originan intoxicaciones atendidas en los SUH. Las diferencias en sintomatología cardiovascular (más en hombres) y ansiosa o digestiva (más en mujeres) no se explican por diferencias sociodemográficas o de drogas utilizadas. La gravedad de la intoxicación no se ve influida por el sexo.

Características de las intoxicaciones por drogas atendidas en once servicios de urgencias españoles: Análisis diferenciado por sexo / Characteristics of drug poisonings treated in eleven Spanish emergency departments: Differentiated analysis by sex

Con el objetivo de identificar, con perspectiva de género, las diferencias sociodemográficas, clínicas, manejo en urgencias y gravedad de las intoxicaciones por drogas atendidas en Servicios de Urgencias Hospitalarias (SUH), se registraron todos los pacientes atendidos en 11 SUH españoles durante 24 meses (agosto 2017-julio 2019). La gravedad de la intoxicación se basó en el evento adverso combinado (intubación orotraqueal, parada cardiorrespiratoria, hospitalización en intensivos, y muerte), comparándose según el sexo. Cuando se encontraron diferencias significativas en sintomatología o gravedad, los resultados se ajustaron por características sociodemográficas y drogas consumidas. Se incluyeron 4.526 pacientes (hombres 75,5%), con edad media de 33 años. Las drogas más frecuentes fueron cocaína (47,8%), cánnabis (44,4%) y anfetaminas (25,5%). Hubo más GHB en hombres (5,6% vs 1,9%, p < ,001) y más benzodiacepinas (8,0% vs 11,1%, p = ,002) y alcohol (57,2% vs 61,2%, p = ,028) en mujeres, sin diferencias en otras de drogas. Los hombres tuvieron significativamente más bradicardia grave (OR = 4,39, IC95% = 1,03-18,7), dolor torácico (OR = 1,72, IC95% = 1,27-2,35) e hipertensión sintomática (OR = 1,56, IC95% = 1,06-2,30) y menos ansiedad (OR = 0,74, IC95% = 0,61-0,89) y vómitos (OR = 0,64, IC95% = 0,51-0,80). Tuvieron también más eventos adversos combinados (3,1% vs 2,0%, p = ,047) y más intubaciones (1,9% vs 1,0%, p = ,044), pero sin diferencias significativas en el modelo ajustado (OR = 1,349, IC95% = 0,827-2,202 y OR = 1,371, IC95% = 0,700-2,685, respectivamente). Fallecieron 12 pacientes (0,3%), sin diferencias según sexo. Concluimos que existen diferencias según el sexo en las drogas que originan intoxicaciones atendidas en los SUH. Las diferencias en sintomatología cardiovascular (más en hombres) y ansiosa o digestiva (más en mujeres) no se explican por diferencias sociodemográficas o de drogas utilizadas. ... (AU)

In order to identify the sociodemographic, clinical, emergency management and severity differences of drug poisoning treated in Emergency Departments (ED) from a gender perspective, data on patients from 11 Spanish EDs were recorded over 24 months (August 2017-July 2019). The severity of intoxication was compared by sex and was based on the combined adverse event (orotracheal intubation, cardiorespiratory arrest, intensive care hospitalization, and death). We included 4,526 patients (men 75.5%), with a mean age of 33 years. The most frequent drugs were: cocaine (47.8%), cannabis (44.4%) and amphetamines (25.5%). Men consumed more GHB (5.6% vs. 1.9%, p < .001) and less benzodiazepines (8.0% vs. 11.1%, p = .002) and alcohol (57.2% vs. 61.2%, p = .028) than women, with no differences in other types of drugs. Men presented significantly more severe bradycardia (OR = 4.39, 95%CI = 1.03-18.7), chest pain (OR = 1.72, 95%CI = 1.27-2.35) and symptomatic hypertension (OR = 1.56, 95%CI = 1.06-2.30) and less anxiety (OR = 0.74, 95%CI = 0.61-0.89) and vomiting (OR = 0.64, CI95% = 0.51-0.80). Men had more combined adverse events (3.1% vs. 2.0%, p = .047) and a greater intubations (1.9% vs. 1.0%, p = .044), with no significant differences in the adjusted model (OR = 1.349, 95%CI = 0.827-2.202 and OR = 1.371, 95%CI = 0.700-2.685, respectively). Twelve patients died (0.3%), with no differences according to sex. Drug intoxications attended in the ED differ according to sex. GHB, benzodiazepines and alcohol are more frequently involved in men than women. Cardiovascular symptomatology is more prevalent in men, while anxiety and vomiting are more frequent in women, which cannot be explained by differences in sociodemographic characteristics or the drugs used. There were no differences in the severity of the intoxication episodes. (AU)

Differences in clinical signs and severity of intoxication due to street drugs in adolescents and young adults treated in emergency departments. / Características diferenciales en las manifestaciones clínicas y la gravedad de las intoxicaciones por drogas de abuso en adolescentes atendidos en servicios de urgencias en comparación con adultos jóvenes.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether symptoms and levels of severity of intoxication from street drugs differ between adolescents and young adults who come to hospital emergency departments for treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied a consecutive cohort of adolescents (aged 12-17 years) and young adults (aged 18-30 years) who were treated in 11 hospital emergency departments belonging to the Drug Abuse Network of Spanish Hospital Emergency Departments (REDURHE). Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and level of severity were recorded for comparison between between adolescents and young adults, adjusted for sex, alcohol co-ingestion, and type of drug used. An intoxication was recorded as severe if at least 1 of the following indicators was present: cardiac arrest, tracheal intubation, intensive care unit admission, and in-hospital death. RESULTS: We included a total of 2181 patients: 249 adolescents (11.4%) and 1932 young adults (88.6%). Alcohol coingestion and use of multiple drugs were less common in adolescents, who had significantly more events related to cannabis (in 81.1% vs 49.0% of young adults) and benzodiazepines (13.3% vs 5.5%). The adolescents had significantly fewer intoxications from the use of cocaine (10.8% vs 45.1%), amphetamines (17.3% vs 32.3%), ketamine (0.4% vs 6.0%) and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (0.4% vs 4.0%). A higher proportion of adolescents than young adults presented with diminished consciousness (23.0% vs 16.9%), but fewer manifested anxiety (15.9% vs 26.3%), palpitations (11.0% vs 19.5%), or chest pain (2.8% vs 9.2%). The pattern of associations was similar in the subgroup of intoxications due to cannabis. The adjusted model confirmed that the adolescents were more likely to have diminished consciousness, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.851 (95% CI, 1.204-2.844) and less likely to have anxiety (OR, 0.529 (95% CI, 0.347-0.807). Intoxication was severe in 46 patients overall (2.1%); in adolescents and young adults the proportions were 0.8% and 2.3%, respectively (P = 0.129). In adolescents, the OR was 0.568 (95% CI, 0.131-2.468) for severity; for component indicators, the ORs were 0.494 (95% CI, 0.063-3.892) for intubation and 0.780 (95% CI, 0.175-3.475) for intensive care unit admission. No deaths occurred. CONCLUSION: Adolescents requiring emergency care for street drug intoxication had co-ingested alcohol or taken multiple drugs less often than young adults. Cannabis was the drug most often used by adolescents, who presented more often with diminished consciousness but less often with anxiety. We detected no differences related to event severity.

OBJETIVO: Investigar si existen diferencias en las drogas, sintomatología y gravedad entre adolescentes y jóvenes atendidos por intoxicación por drogas en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH). METODO: Entre los pacientes consecutivos atendidos por consumo de drogas en los 11 SUH de la REDURHE (Red de estudio de Drogas en Urgencias Hospitalarios en España), se seleccionaron los adolescentes (edad = 12-17 años) y los jóvenes (edad = 18-30 años). Se compararon las características sociodemográficas, clínicas y la gravedad (evento adverso combinado ­EAC­: parada cardiorrespiratoria, intubación endotraqueal, ingreso en cuidados intensivos o muerte intrahospitalaria) en adolescentes y jóvenes, ajustadas por sexo, coingesta de etanol y drogas involucradas. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 2.181 pacientes (adolescentes = 249, 11,4%; jóvenes = 1.932, 88,6%). En adolescentes, la coingesta de etanol y múltiples drogas fue menos frecuente. Hubo significativamente más asistencias por cannabis (81,1% vs 49,0%) y benzodiacepinas (13,3% vs 5,5%) y menos por cocaína (10,8% vs 45,1%), anfetamínicos (17,3% vs 32,3%), ketamina (0,4% vs 6,0%) y gamma-hidroxibutirato (0,4% vs 4,0%). Los adolescentes presentaron más disminución de consciencia (23,0% vs 16,9%) y menos ansiedad (15,9% vs 26,3%), palpitaciones (11,0% vs 19,5%) y dolor torácico (2,8% vs 9,2%). Estas asociaciones se mantuvieron al analizar el subgrupo de intoxicados por cannabis. En el modelo ajustado, los adolescentes presentan más disminución de consciencia con (OR = 1,851, IC 95%: 1,204-2,844) y menos ansiedad (OR = 0,529, IC 95%: 0,347-0,807). Se observó EAC en 46 pacientes (2,0%; 0,8% vs 2,3%, p = 0,129). La OR ajustada en adolescentes para EAC fue 0,568 (IC 95%: 0,131-2,468), y para intubación 0,494 (IC 95%: 0,063-3,892) y para ingreso en intensivos 0,780 (IC 95%: 0,175-3,475). No hubo fallecimientos. CONCLUSIONES: Los adolescentes intoxicados por drogas atendidos en SUH presentan con menor frecuencia coingesta de etanol o múltiples drogas. La droga más frecuentemente implicada es el cannabis, y presentan más disminución de consciencia y menos ansiedad. No detectamos diferencias en la gravedad entre adolescentes y jóvenes.

Características diferenciales en las manifestaciones clínicas y la gravedad de las intoxicaciones por drogas de abuso en adolescentes atendidos en servicios de urgencias en comparación con adultos jóvenes / Differences in clinical signs and severity of intoxication due to street drugs in adolescents and young adults treated in emergency departments

Objetivo. Investigar si existen diferencias en las drogas, sintomatología y gravedad entre adolescentes y jóvenes atendidos por intoxicación por drogas en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH).Método. Entre los pacientes consecutivos atendidos por consumo de drogas en los 11 SUH de la REDURHE (Red de estudio de Drogas en Urgencias Hospitalarios en España), se seleccionaron los adolescentes (edad = 12-17 años) y los jóvenes (edad = 18-30 años). Se compararon las características sociodemográficas, clínicas y la gravedad (evento adverso combinado –EAC–: parada cardiorrespiratoria, intubación endotraqueal, ingreso en cuidados intensivos o muerte intrahospitalaria) en adolescentes y jóvenes, ajustadas por sexo, coingesta de etanol y drogas involucradas.Resultados. Se incluyeron 2.181 pacientes (adolescentes = 249, 11,4%; jóvenes = 1.932, 88,6%). En adolescentes, la coingesta de etanol y múltiples drogas fue menos frecuente. Hubo significativamente más asistencias por cannabis (81,1% vs 49,0%) y benzodiacepinas (13,3% vs 5,5%) y menos por cocaína (10,8% vs 45,1%), anfetamínicos (17,3% vs 32,3%), ketamina (0,4% vs 6,0%) y gamma-hidroxibutirato (0,4% vs 4,0%). Los adolescentes presentaron más disminución de consciencia (23,0% vs 16,9%) y menos ansiedad (15,9% vs 26,3%), palpitaciones (11,0% vs 19,5%) y dolor torácico (2,8% vs 9,2%). Estas asociaciones se mantuvieron al analizar el subgrupo de intoxicados por cannabis. En el modelo ajustado, los adolescentes presentan más disminución de consciencia con (OR = 1,851, IC 95%: 1,204-2,844) y menos ansiedad (OR = 0,529, IC 95%: 0,347-0,807). Se observó EAC en 46 pacientes (2,0%; 0,8% vs 2,3%, p = 0,129). La OR ajustada en adolescentes para EAC fue 0,568 (IC 95%: 0,131-2,468), y para intubación 0,494 (IC 95%: 0,063-3,892) y para ingreso en intensivos 0,780 (IC 95%: 0,175-3,475). No hubo fallecimientos. (AU)

Objective. To determine whether symptoms and levels of severity of intoxication from street drugs differ between adolescents and young adults who come to hospital emergency departments for treatment.Methods. We studied a consecutive cohort of adolescents (aged 12-17 years) and young adults (aged 18-30 years) who were treated in 11 hospital emergency departments belonging to the Drug Abuse Network of Spanish Hospital Emergency Departments (REDURHE). Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and level of severity were recorded for comparison between between adolescents and young adults, adjusted for sex, alcohol co-ingestion, and type of drug used. An intoxication was recorded as severe if at least 1 of the following indicators was present: cardiac arrest, tracheal intubation, intensive care unit admission, and in-hospital death.Results. We included a total of 2181 patients: 249 adolescents (11.4%) and 1932 young adults (88.6%). Alcohol coingestion and use of multiple drugs were less common in adolescents, who had significantly more events related to cannabis (in 81.1% vs 49.0% of young adults) and benzodiazepines (13.3% vs 5.5%). The adolescents had significantly fewer intoxications from the use of cocaine (10.8% vs 45.1%), amphetamines (17.3% vs 32.3%), ketamine (0.4% vs 6.0%) and gamma-hydroxybutyrate (0.4% vs 4.0%). A higher proportion of adolescents tan young adults presented with diminished consciousness (23.0% vs 16.9%), but fewer manifested anxiety (15.9% vs 26.3%), palpitations (11.0% vs 19.5%), or chest pain (2.8% vs 9.2%). (AU)

Red de Estudio de Drogas en Urgencias Hospitalarias en España (Registro REDUrHE): análisis general y comparación según asistencia en día laborable o festivo / Spanish Research Network on Drugs in Hospital Emergency Departments — the REDUrHE registry: general analysis and comparisons between weekend and weekday poisonings

Objetivos. Conocer las características sociodemográficas, el patrón de consumo y la gravedad de los pacientes atendidos en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH) españoles por intoxicación por drogas (Proyecto REDUrHE) e investigar si existen diferencias entre los días festivos y los días laborables. Método. Once SUH integrantes del proyecto REDUrHE incluyeron durante 24 meses de forma consecutiva a los pacientes atendidos por sintomatología derivada del consumo de drogas ilegales. Éstas se determinaron por la historia clínica o la determinación toxicológica. El indicador primario de gravedad fue el evento adverso combinado formado por intubación, parada cardiorrespiratoria, ingreso en cuidados intensivos o muerte intrahospitalaria y los indicadores secundarios cada uno de estos eventos adversos considerado individualmente. (AU)

Objectives: To describe the sociodemographic characteristics, drug use patterns, and the severity of drug overdoses treated in hospital emergency departments according to the registry of the Spanish Research Network on Drugs in Hospital Emergency Departments (REDUrHE project), and to identify differences between patterns on weekdays and weekends/national holidays. Material and methods: Eleven hospitals participated in the REDUrHE project, studying consecutive patients with symptoms of drug overdose over a 24-month period. The drugs implicated were extracted from clinical records or toxicology reports. An overdose was considered severe if management required intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or admission to the intensive care unit, or if in-hospital death occurred (composite event). Each of these variables was also analyzed by itself. (AU)

Spanish Research Network on Drugs in Hospital Emergency Departments - the REDUrHE registry: general analysis and comparisons between weekend and weekday poisonings. / Red de Estudio de Drogas en Urgencias Hospitalarias en España (Registro REDUrHE): análisis general y comparación según asistencia en día laborable o festivo.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the sociodemographic characteristics, drug use patterns, and the severity of drug overdoses treated in hospital emergency departments according to the registry of the Spanish Research Network on Drugs in Hospital Emergency Departments (REDUrHE project), and to identify differences between patterns on weekdays and weekends/national holidays. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eleven hospitals participated in the REDUrHE project, studying consecutive patients with symptoms of drug overdose over a 24-month period. The drugs implicated were extracted from clinical records or toxicology reports. An overdose was considered severe if management required intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or admission to the intensive care unit, or if in-hospital death occurred (composite event). Each of these variables was also analyzed by itself. RESULTS: A total of 4526 patients were studied (2218 [49%] on weekends/holidays; 2308 [51%] on workdays). The mean (SD) age was 33 (11) years, and 75.5% were men. The most commonly used drugs were cocaine (47.8%), paciencannabis (44.4%), amphetamine derivatives (25.5%), benzodiazepines (8.8%), and opioids (7.3%). Patients treated on weekends/holidays were younger (32.1 vs 33.1 years on weekdays, P = .006), and they were more often taken to the hospital in an ambulance (60.5% vs 57.3%, P = .035). Hospitals in large cities (Barcelona and Madrid) saw more patients on weekends/holidays (55.8%). Major tourist destinations (the Balearic and Canary Islands) saw fewer patients on weekends/holidays (44.7%, P .001). Alcohol was ingested along with a drug by 58.2%; this combination was more common on weekends/holidays (in 63.3% vs 52.9% on weekdays, P .001), and 39.4% used more than 1 drug. Use of more than 1 drug was less common on weekends (in 37.6% vs 41.2%, P = .013). Opioid emergencies were also less frequent on weekends (6.0% vs 8.6%, P = .001), when gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) overdoses were more common (5.8% vs 3.6%, P .001). Severity indicators were present (the composite event) more often on weekends (in 3.6% vs 2.2%, P = .006). Likewise, weekends saw more intubations (in 2.3% vs 1.0%, P = .001) and intensive care unit admissions (2.4% vs 1.6%, P = .047). Twelve patients (0.3%) died; mortality was similar on weekends (0.2%) and weekdays (0.3%) (P = .826). After adjusting for age, sex, combined use of alcohol, and type of drug, the risk of the severe-event composite was greater on weekends (odds ratio, 1.569; 95% CI, 1.088-2.263). CONCLUSION: Weekend and holiday emergencies due to drug overdoses are more frequent in large city hospitals. Weekend emergencies share certain distinctive characteristics: patients are younger, alcohol more often is ingested with drugs but multiple-drug combinations are less common, and GHB is used more often while opioids are used less often. Severe poisonings occur more often on weekends and holidays.

OBJETIVO: Conocer las características sociodemográficas, el patrón de consumo y la gravedad de los pacientes atendidos en servicios de urgencias hospitalarios (SUH) españoles por intoxicación por drogas (Proyecto REDUrHE) e investigar si existen diferencias entre los días festivos y los días laborables. METODO: Once SUH integrantes del proyecto REDUrHE incluyeron durante 24 meses de forma consecutiva a los pacientes atendidos por sintomatología derivada del consumo de drogas ilegales. Estas se determinaron por la historia clínica o la determinación toxicológica. El indicador primario de gravedad fue el evento adverso combinado formado por intubación, parada cardiorrespiratoria, ingreso en cuidados intensivos o muerte intrahospitalaria y los indicadores secundarios cada uno de estos eventos adversos considerado individualmente. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 4.526 pacientes (festivo: 2.218, 49%; laborables: 2.308, 51%), con edad media de 33 años (DE 11) y 75,5% hombres. Las drogas más frecuentemente involucradas fueron cocaína (47,8%), cannabis (44,4%), derivados anfetamínicos (25,5%), benzodiacepinas (8,8%) y opiáceos (7,3%). Los pacientes atendidos en festivos eran más jóvenes (32,1 vs 33,1 años, p = 0,006) y más frecuentemente traídos al SUH en ambulancia (60,5% vs 57,3%, p = 0,035). Los SUH de grandes ciudades (Barcelona, Madrid) tuvieron la mayor afluencia en festivo (55,8%) y los de zonas de alto turismo lúdico (Baleares, Canarias) los de menor afluencia (44,7%; p 0,001). El 58,2% ingirió simultáneamente etanol (más en festivos, 63,3% vs 52,9%, p 0,001) y el 39,4% más de una droga (menos en festivos, 37,6% vs 41,2%, p = 0,013). En festivo, los opiáceos fueron menos frecuentes (6,0% vs 8,6%, p = 0,001) y el gamma- hidroxibutirato más (5,8% vs 3,6%, p 0,001). También en festivo, hubo más eventos combinados adversos (3,6% vs 2,2%; p = 0,006), más intubaciones (2,3% vs 1,0%, p = 0,001) y más ingresos en cuidados intensivos (2,4% vs 1,6%, p = 0,047). Fallecieron 12 pacientes (0,3%), sin diferencias entre grupos (0,2% vs 0,3%, p = 0,826). Al ajustar por edad, sexo, ingesta combinada de etanol y tipos de drogas implicadas, los pacientes atendidos en festivos tuvieron más riesgo de evento adverso combinado, con OR = 1,569 (IC 95% = 1,088-2,263). CONCLUSIONES: Las intoxicaciones por drogas atendidas en SUH en día festivo suceden con mayor frecuencia en grandes ciudades y presentan ciertas características distintivas (pacientes más jóvenes, más ingesta conjunta con etanol, menos combinación de drogas, más frecuente gamma-hidroxibutirato y menos frecuente piáceos). Durante los festivos, las intoxicaciones atendidas son de mayor gravedad.

Impact of co-ingestion of ethanol on the clinical symptomatology and severity of patients attended in the emergency department for recreational drug toxicity.

OBJECTIVE: Investigate whether there are differences in the drugs involved, symptomatology and severity of drug intoxication in patients with co-ingestion of alcohol attended in hospital emergency departments (ED). METHOD: Patients attended in 11 Spanish EDs due to drug intoxication were included. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected. A combined adverse event of cardiorespiratory arrest, need for intubation, and admission to intensive care or death was considered as the primary indicator of severity. The symptomatology and severity were compared adjusted for age, sex and type of drug based on whether or not ethanol had been co-ingested. RESULTS: 3925 patients (alcohol co-ingestion: 2290, 58.3%) with a mean age of 33 (±11) years were included, and 25% were women. Co-ingestion of alcohol was observed in younger patients, in EDs in areas with high leisure tourism, on holidays and during the early morning hours. It was also more frequent in individuals intoxicated by amphetamine derivatives (66.2%) and cocaine (65.7%), and was more frequently associated with a reduction in consciousness (odds ratio [OR] = 2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.69-2.67) and agitation/aggressiveness (OR = 1.22, 95% = 1.04-1.43). A combined adverse event was observed in 114 patients (2.9%) with no differences between individuals co-ingesting or not ethanol (3.1% vs. 2.7%; OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 0.74-1.65). CONCLUSION: Co-ingestion of alcohol is more frequent in individuals intoxicated by cocaine and amphetamines and predisposes a greater reduction in the level of consciousness or agitation, although there are no differences in the severity of the episodes of drug intoxication.