Synthetic cathinones in Belgium: a cluster of poly-drug intoxications involving α-pyrrolidinoisohexiophenone (α-PiHP).
Clinical toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.) July 8, 2025 Margot Balcaen, Nik De Brabanter, Nick Verougstraete et al. 1 citation
A concerning trend emerged in Belgian hospitals: a cluster of intoxications linked to new psychoactive substances. Analysis of 39 cases confirmed the presence of a potent synthetic cathinone, akin to 'bath salts' or 'flakka'. Patients often experienced severe symptoms like aggression, frequently due to poly-drug use. This highlights the urgent need for information sharing to enhance healthcare responses to these complex intoxications.