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Trytell A, Osekowski M, Zentner D, Nehme Z, James P, Pflaumer A, Semsarian C, Ingles J, Stub D, La Gerche A, Paratz ED. Prevalence of illicit drug use in young patients with sudden cardiac death. Heart Rhythm 2023; 20:1349-1355. [PMID: 37295741 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Illicit drug use may accelerate coronary disease and cardiac hypertrophy or stimulate arrhythmias. Rates of illicit drug use in young patients with sudden cardiac death (SCD) are uncertain. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to identify rates of illicit drug use in young patients with SCD. METHODS A prospective statewide registry identified out-of-hospital patients with cardiac arrest aged 18-50 years from April 2019 to April 2021. Clinical characteristics were compared between patients with and without illicit drug use (defined by toxicological results or reported regular use). Illicit drugs included amphetamine-type substances, cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and other drugs. RESULTS A total of 554 (40.2%) of 1378 patients had confirmed cardiac cause of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with 523 undergoing toxicological assessment. There were 170 patients (32.5%) having either positive toxicology for illicit drugs (n = 138) or negative toxicology but reported regular drug use (n = 32). Patients with SCD and illicit drug use were more commonly male (81.2% vs 72.3%; P = .028), smokers (38.8% vs 19.8%; P ≤ .0001), and excess alcohol drinkers (30.6% vs 20.6%; P = .012) and had a psychiatric diagnosis (38.8% vs 25.7%; P = .002), lower body mass index (29.4 kg/m2 vs 31.7 kg/m2; P = .0063), and lower rates of hypertension (10.6% vs 18.6%; P = .019). Death commonly occurred while sedentary (47.5%) or during sleep (45.8%). Accounting for these baseline differences, there were no differences in rates of coronary disease or cardiomyopathy. Cannabis (n = 106) was the most common illicit drug identified and polysubstance abuse occurred frequently (n = 25). CONCLUSION Approximately one-third of young patients with SCD have positive toxicology at the time of death or reported frequent use of illicit drugs, with high rates of polysubstance abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Trytell
- Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Osekowski
- Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dominica Zentner
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ziad Nehme
- Ambulance Victoria, Doncaster, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paramedicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul James
- Department of Cardiology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andreas Pflaumer
- Department of Cardiology, The Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chris Semsarian
- Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology at Centenary Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jodie Ingles
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dion Stub
- Ambulance Victoria, Doncaster, Victoria, Australia; Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andre La Gerche
- Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria, Australia; Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Prahran, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth D Paratz
- Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia; Department of Cardiology, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria, Australia; Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Prahran, Victoria, Australia; Department of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, Melbourne University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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Manja V, Nrusimha A, Gao Y, Sheikh A, McGovern M, Heidenreich PA, Sandhu ATS, Asch S. Methamphetamine-associated heart failure: a systematic review of observational studies. Heart 2023; 109:168-177. [PMID: 36456204 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2022-321610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To conduct a systematic review of observational studies on methamphetamine-associated heart failure (MethHF) . METHODS Six databases were searched for original publications on the topic. Title/abstract and included full-text publications were reviewed in duplicate. Data extraction and critical appraisal for risk of bias were performed in duplicate. RESULTS Twenty-one studies are included in the final analysis. Results could not be combined because of heterogeneity in study design, population, comparator, and outcome assessment. Overall risk of bias is moderate due to the presence of confounders, selection bias and poor matching; overall certainty in the evidence is very low. MethHF is increasing in prevalence, affects diverse racial/ethnic/sociodemographic groups with a male predominance; up to 44% have preserved left-ventricular ejection fraction. MethHF is associated with significant morbidity including worse heart failure symptoms compared with non-methamphetamine related heart failure. Female sex, methamphetamine abstinence and guideline-directed heart failure therapy are associated with improved outcomes. Chamber dimensions on echocardiography and fibrosis on biopsy predict the extent of recovery after abstinence. CONCLUSIONS The increasing prevalence of MethHF with associated morbidity underscores the urgent need for well designed prospective studies of people who use methamphetamine to accurately assess the epidemiology, clinical features, disease trajectory and outcomes of MethHF. Methamphetamine abstinence is an integral part of MethHF treatment; increased availability of effective non-pharmacological interventions for treatment of methamphetamine addiction is an essential first step. Availability of effective pharmacological treatment for methamphetamine addiction will further support MethHF treatment. Using harm reduction principles in an integrated addiction/HF treatment programme will bolster efforts to stem the increasing tide of MethHF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena Manja
- VA Center for Innovation to Implementation, Menlo Park, California, USA
- Department of Health Policy, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | - Ya Gao
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Mark McGovern
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Paul A Heidenreich
- VA Center for Innovation to Implementation, Menlo Park, California, USA
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | - Steven Asch
- VA Center for Innovation to Implementation, Menlo Park, California, USA
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Somma V, Osekowski M, Paratz E, Bonomo Y. Methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy: an addiction medicine perspective. Intern Med J 2023; 53:21-26. [PMID: 36693638 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy (MaCM) is an increasingly recognised serious complication from methamphetamine (MA) use. It is characterised as the development of otherwise unexplained heart failure in the context of MA use. MaCM predominantly affects a young and vulnerable population with high morbidity and mortality. It is the second leading cause of mortality in patients with MA use disorder (MUD). Our understanding of MaCM pathogenesis is based on observational cohorts and autopsy studies. Currently, the treatment of MaCM is predicated on abstinence. Medical therapies offer some benefit to a minority of patients; however, without abstinence, medical therapies are often ineffective. Abstinence is difficult for most patients to achieve; all clinicians require an understanding of MaCM and how to educate patients on the risks of ongoing use. Where available, referral to addiction medicine specialists to assist with treatment of MUD is recommended. This review aims to: (i) explain the proposed pathologic mechanisms of MaCM; (ii) summarise recent recommendations of the screening and treatment of MaCM; and (iii) highlight the role of addiction medicine in the management of patient with MaCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Somma
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael Osekowski
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Paratz
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.,Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yvonne Bonomo
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Department of Cardiology, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Victoria, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Tobolski J, Sawyer DB, Song SJ, Afari ME. Cardiovascular disease associated with methamphetamine use: a review. Heart Fail Rev 2022; 27:2059-2065. [PMID: 35844009 DOI: 10.1007/s10741-022-10261-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine abuse is a global epidemic associated with a wide-ranging array of adverse effects on the cardiovascular system including dilated cardiomyopathy, malignant and benign arrhythmias, coronary vasospasm, and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. While the acute behavioral manifestations of amphetamine abuse are the most easily clinically identified, cardiovascular toxicity is common in this patient population and should be considered in this setting due to its high morbidity and mortality. The specific mechanisms for amphetamine cardiotoxicity have not been fully established, but new research implicates activation of several cellular targets including Sigma-1 receptors and trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) leading to a myriad of negative downstream effects including increased reactive oxygenating species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, and modulations of intracellular calcium. Additional pathologic effects are mediated by increased circulating catecholamines, which when chronically activated have well-established adverse effects on the cardiovascular system. In this article, we present a case report followed by a current review of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment modalities of amphetamine-induced cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared Tobolski
- Cardiac Service Line, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME, 04102, USA
| | - Douglas B Sawyer
- Cardiac Service Line, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME, 04102, USA
| | - Sharon J Song
- Spectrum Healthcare Partners, South Portland, ME, 04106, USA
| | - Maxwell Eyram Afari
- Cardiac Service Line, Maine Medical Center, 22 Bramhall Street, Portland, ME, 04102, USA.
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