Katharina M Rentsch

Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Switzerland.

2 papers in the library · 43 citations · publishing 2016-2017

Papers

Presentations due to acute toxicity of psychoactive substances in an urban emergency department in Switzerland: a case series.

BMC pharmacology & toxicology May 26, 2016 Evangelia Liakoni, Patrick C Dolder, Katharina M Rentsch et al. 24 citations

Of 50,624 emergency department visits at a Swiss university hospital over one year, 210 were due to acute recreational drug toxicity. Patients averaged 33 years old, 73% were male. Cocaine (33%), cannabis (32%), and heroin (14%) were the most reported substances; analytical testing confirmed cannabis (33%), cocaine (27%), and opioids excluding methadone (19%) most often. Only two cases involved novel psychoactive substances (NPS): one severe intoxication with PMMA and one minor with 2C-P. Common symptoms included tachycardia (28%), anxiety (23%), nausea or vomiting (18%), and agitation (17%). Severe outcomes included two deaths, two heart attacks, 13 seizures, and six psychosis cases. Most patients (76%) were discharged; 10% required intensive care. Classic drugs like cocaine and cannabis caused most problems, while NPS were rarely seen despite their increased detection elsewhere.

DOI: 10.1186/s40360-016-0068-7 Full text Acute toxicity Psychoactive substances Recreational drugs Emergency medicine +1

Mistaking 2C-P for 2C-B: What a Difference a Letter Makes.

Journal of analytical toxicology January 1, 2017 Adrian Stoller, Patrick C Dolder, Michael Bodmer et al. 19 citations

A 19-year-old male was admitted to the emergency department with severe hallucinations, dilated pupils, rapid heart rate, agitation, and confusion after using a substance sold as 2C-B. Laboratory analysis using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry detected the more potent synthetic phenethylamine derivative 2C-P instead. Based on two blood samples, the estimated elimination half-life was 19 hours. The case illustrates how small structural variations in the 4 position of the phenyl ring, such as a propyl group in 2C-P versus bromine in 2C-B, can lead to significant differences in drug potency and duration of action, contributing to adverse effects.

DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkw108 Full text Chemical structure variation Drug potency Synthetic drugs Adverse drug effects