Abstract

VALLINA ALVAREZ, E.; SUAREZ ARIAS, R.; GARCIA DIEZ, A.  and  ARRIBAS CASTRILLO, J. M.. Rhabdomyolisis syndrome and hyperthermia secondary to cocaine and/or ecstasy intake: Communication of two new cases and review of the problem. An. Med. Interna (Madrid) [online]. 2002, vol.19, n.2, pp.43-46. ISSN 0212-7199.

We describe two cases of hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis related to cocaine and/or ectasy consumption. The clinical and laboratory findings are characteristic of hyperthermia syndrom in both cases. The first patient consumed cocaine, ecstasy and alcohol and afterwards suffers from hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis associated with decreased concious level, labile blood pressure, severe renal insufficiency (needing hemodyalisis) and important liver failure. The second patient consumed ecstasy and alcohol with intense physical activity and shows the same but moderate clinical picture rapidly responding to intrevenous fluid therapy. The incidence of this drug-induced hyperthermia is low compared to the important use of these illicit drugs. Nevertheless its increasing consumption will lead physicians to attend more patients with this syndrom and other related complications. For this reason we have reviewed and up-dated this problematic subject.

Keywords : Hyperthermia; Rhabdomyolysis; Cocaine; Ecstasy (metamphetamines).

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