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Li Z, Li Z, Qiang H, Xie W, Su M, Xiang P, Shi Y. Quantitative determination of nitrous oxide in human blood by HS-GC-MS: forensic application of two fatal poisoning cases. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 360:112067. [PMID: 38821023 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Nitrous oxide (N2O), also known as laughing gas, has a euphoric effect and is becoming increasingly popular as a recreational inhalant drug. Deaths caused by recreational nitrous oxide abuse are rare, but may still occur. Although some methods for the quantification of N2O by GC-MS have been reported, elimination of carbon dioxide interference and the choice of a suitable internal standard remain current limitations to accurate N2O quantification. Here, a validated method using headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) is described that allows the quantification of N2O in human blood samples: sodium hydroxide is used to remove carbon dioxide, and n-pentane is chosen as a suitable internal standard. Collectively, the validation results show a good linear relationship of N2O in blood within the concentration range of 0.02 ∼ 0.5 mL/mL and an LOD of 0.005 mL/mL. Subsequent application of the validated method to two real mortality cases due to N2O intoxication provided reference values for blood concentrations in forensic cases. Other biological specimens (gaseous samples and tissues) of the deceased were also analyzed to demonstrate that the deaths were caused by asphyxia due to the inhalation of N2O.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehong Li
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Key Laboratory of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai 200063, PR China; School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Ziyi Li
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Key Laboratory of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai 200063, PR China; School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Huosheng Qiang
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Key Laboratory of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai 200063, PR China
| | - Wanting Xie
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Key Laboratory of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai 200063, PR China; School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Mengxiang Su
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Ping Xiang
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Key Laboratory of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai 200063, PR China.
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Forensic Toxicology, Academy of Forensic Science, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Forensic Medicine, Shanghai Forensic Science Platform, Key Laboratory of Forensic Sciences, Ministry of Justice, Shanghai 200063, PR China.
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Kronenberg G, Schoretsanitis G, Seifritz E, Olbrich S. The boon and bane of nitrous oxide. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01801-3. [PMID: 38613686 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01801-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Nitrous oxide (N2O) has been known since the end of the eighteenth century. Today, N2O plays a huge role as a greenhouse gas and an ozone-depleting stratospheric molecule. The main sources of anthropogenic N2O emissions are agriculture, fuel combustion, wastewater treatment, and various industrial processes. By contrast, the contribution of medical N2O to the greenhouse effect appears to be small. The recreational and medical uses of N2O gradually diverged over time. N2O has analgesic and anesthetic effects, making it widely used in modern dentistry and surgery. New research has also begun studying N2O's antidepressant actions. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonism and opioid effects are believed to be the main underlying biochemical mechanisms. At this point, numerous questions remain open and, in particular, the conduct of larger clinical trials will be essential to confirm N2O's use as a rapid-acting antidepressant. The N2O concentration delivered, the duration of a single inhalation, as well as the number of inhalations ultimately required, deserve to be better understood. Finally, the non-medical use of N2O has gained significant attention in recent years. Sudden deaths directly attributed to N2O are primarily due to asphyxia. Heavy, chronic N2O use may result in vitamin B12 deficiency, which, among other things, may cause megaloblastic anemia, venous thrombosis, myeloneuropathy, and skin pigmentation. Helpful biochemical tests include homocysteine and methylmalonic acid. The centerpiece of treatment is complete cessation of N2O use together with parenteral administration of vitamin B12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golo Kronenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zürich, Lenggstrasse 31, P.O. Box 363, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Georgios Schoretsanitis
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zürich, Lenggstrasse 31, P.O. Box 363, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Northwell/Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zürich, Lenggstrasse 31, P.O. Box 363, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sebastian Olbrich
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zürich, Lenggstrasse 31, P.O. Box 363, 8032, Zurich, Switzerland
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Hassing LT, Jiang FY, Zutt R, Arends S. Nitrous-oxide-induced polyneuropathy and subacute combined degeneration of the spine: clinical and diagnostic characteristics in 70 patients, with focus on electrodiagnostic studies. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16076. [PMID: 37754673 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nitrous oxide (N2 O) induced neurological symptoms are increasingly encountered. Our aim is to provide clinical and diagnostic characteristics with a focus on electrodiagnostic studies. METHODS Patients with neurological sequelae due to N2 O presenting in our hospital between November 2018 and December 2021 reporting clinical and diagnostic data were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS Seventy patients (median 22 years) were included. Median N2 O usage was 4 kg/week during 12 months. Patients' history revealed a higher rate of sensory symptoms compared to motor (97% vs. 57%) and 77% walking difficulties. Clinical diagnosis was polyneuropathy (PNP) in 44%, subacute combined degeneration (SCD) of the spine in 19%, both in 37%. Median vitamin B12 level was low (159 pmol/L), normal in 16%. The median methylmalonic acid was increased (2.66 μmol/L). Electrodiagnostic abnormalities were observed in 91%, with 72% fulfilling axonal PNP criteria, 20% showing mild to intermediate slowing. One patient fulfilled demyelinating PNP criteria not related to N2 O abuse (Charcot-Marie-Tooth type 1a). More prominent motor nerve conduction abnormalities were found; lower limbs were more affected. In 64% with normal conduction, myography showed signs of axonal loss. Magnetic resonance imaging showed cervical myelopathy in 58% involving generally five to six segments. CONCLUSIONS Nitrous oxide (N2 O) leads to neurological symptoms by causing PNP and/or SCD primarily involving the legs. Distinguishing PNP and SCD clinically was shown to be insufficient. Electrodiagnostic studies showed axonal PNP. Demyelinating PNP due to N2 O abuse was not present in our cohort. Therefore, further diagnostic work-up is warranted if demyelinating features are present.
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Affiliation(s)
- L T Hassing
- HagaZiekenhuis, Department of Neurology, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - F Y Jiang
- HagaZiekenhuis, Department of Radiology, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - R Zutt
- HagaZiekenhuis, Department of Neurology, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - S Arends
- HagaZiekenhuis, Department of Neurology, The Hague, The Netherlands
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Riccò M, Ferraro P, Corrado S, Bottazzoli M, Marchesi F. Nitrous Oxide Inhalant Abuse: Preliminary Results from a Cross-Sectional Study on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Italian Physicians (2023). MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1820. [PMID: 37893538 PMCID: PMC10608448 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Nitrous oxide (N2O) has recently emerged as a cheap alternative to other recreational substances. Although legally available, its chronic use is associated with severe neurological and hematological complications due to the irreversible inactivation of vitamin B12. While no reliable data on abuse of N2O in Italy have been provided to date, we assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Italian medical professionals on the management of N2O abuse cases. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed as a web-based survey through a series of Facebook discussion groups (targeted medical professionals: 12,103), and participants were specifically asked about their previous understanding of N2O abuse and whether they had or not any previous experience in this topic. Results: A total 396 medical professionals participated in the survey. Overall, 115 participants had previous knowledge about N2O abuse (29.04%), with higher odds for professionals with a background in emergency medicine (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.075; 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) 1.071 to 8.828) and lower for specialists in psychiatry (aOR 0.328; 95%CI 0.130 to 0.825). Knowledge status on N2O abuse was largely unsatisfying, as knowledge status, reported as a percent value, was estimated to 45.33% ± 24.71. Having previously managed a case of N2O abuse was associated with higher risk perception of the actual severity of this condition (aOR 5.070; 95%CI 1.520 to 16.980). Conclusions: Our study suggests that N2O poisoning cases are occurring in Italian settings but are not reasonably reported to national authorities. As substantial knowledge gaps of Italian medical workforces were identified, we cannot rule out that the actual abuse of N2O in the population may be far larger than currently suspected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Riccò
- Occupational Health and Safety Service on the Workplace/Servizio di Prevenzione e Sicurezza Ambienti di Lavoro (SPSAL), Department of Public Health, AUSL–IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Pietro Ferraro
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Direzione Sanità, Italian Railways’ Infrastructure Division, RFI SpA, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Silvia Corrado
- ASST Rhodense, Dipartimento della donna e Area Materno-Infantile, UOC Pediatria, 20024 Garbagnate Milanese, Italy;
| | - Marco Bottazzoli
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, APSS Trento, 31223 Trento, Italy;
| | - Federico Marchesi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy;
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Ménétrier T, Denimal D. Vitamin B12 Status in Recreational Users of Nitrous Oxide: A Systematic Review Focusing on the Prevalence of Laboratory Abnormalities. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1191. [PMID: 37371921 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061191] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The recreational use of nitrous oxide (N2O) as "laughing gas" is a growing problem. The chronic toxicity of N2O is mainly due to its ability to oxidize vitamin B12, making it dysfunctional as a cofactor in metabolic pathways. This mechanism plays a major role in the development of neurological disorders in N2O users. The assessment of vitamin B12 status in N2O users is important but challenging due to the lack of decrease in total vitamin B12 in most cases despite genuine vitamin B12 functional deficiency. Other biomarkers, such as holotranscobalamin (holoTC), homocysteine (tHcy) and methylmalonic acid (MMA), are interesting candidates to properly assess vitamin B12 status. Here, we conducted a systematic review of case series in order to assess the prevalence of abnormal values of total vitamin B12, holoTC, tHcy and MMA in recreational N2O users, which is an important prerequisite for determining the best screening strategy in future guidelines. We included 23 case series (574 N2O users) from the PubMed database. Total circulating vitamin B12 concentration was low in 42.2% (95% confidence interval 37.8-46.6%, n = 486) of N2O users, while 28.6% (7.5-49.6%, n = 21) of N2O users had low circulating concentrations of holoTC. tHcy levels were elevated in 79.7% (75.9-83.5%, n = 429) of N2O users, while 79.6% (71.5-87.7%, n = 98) of N2O users had increased concentrations of MMA. In summary, the increases in tHcy and MMA were the most prevalent abnormalities, and should be measured alone or in combination in symptomatic N2O users rather than total vitamin B12 or holoTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanguy Ménétrier
- Department of Biochemistry, University Hospital of Dijon, F-21079 Dijon, France
| | - Damien Denimal
- Department of Biochemistry, University Hospital of Dijon, F-21079 Dijon, France
- UMR1231 LNC INSERM, University of Burgundy, F-21079 Dijon, France
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Lapeyre-Mestre M. Addictovigilance in women, the hidden part of the iceberg? Therapie 2023; 78:157-164. [PMID: 36280399 DOI: 10.1016/j.therap.2022.10.006] [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: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiology of substance use disorders and their complications is driven by a male predominance, and women, even if they are more and more prevalent, are never specifically represented in studies in the field. Apart from the time of pregnancy, which in itself requires specific prevention, treatment and follow-up, the importance of the sex of women in the complications of substance abuse is neglected. To illustrate, we described some characteristics of women identified in the addictovigilance information system in France and Europe, related to drug use disorders (both for illicit substances and medications). Even if the exposure to some psychoactive substances remains more prevalent in men, women, and particularly young women, seem to be more vulnerable to the adverse effects of these substances, as observed for opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, cannabis and even nitrous oxide. It is now imperative that the female sex/gender be taken into consideration in addictovigilance expertise and in drug safety in general, even for substances for which use is predominantly male. In addition, the adequate management of the women requires the development of specific prevention and care strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryse Lapeyre-Mestre
- Service de pharmacologie médicale et clinique, centre d'addictovigilance (CEIP-A), CHU de Toulouse-UFR santé, université de Toulouse, 31000 Toulouse, France.
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7
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Largeau B, Karam A, Potey C, Caous AS, Tard C, Carton L, Kuchcinski G, Gautier S, Deheul S, Bordet R. Myeloneuropathy induced by recreational nitrous oxide use with variable exposure levels. Eur J Neurol 2022; 29:2173-2180. [PMID: 35460312 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although several case series have described nitrous oxide-associated neurological disorders, a comprehensive assessment of exposure characteristics (e.g., time to onset, level of exposure) in substance abusers has not been performed. The aim of this study was to describe the onset patterns of recreational use of nitrous oxide-induced neurological disorders. METHODS All cases of neurological disorders related to nitrous oxide recreational use reported to the Hauts-de-France addictovigilance center between January 2019 and August 2020 were selected. Only cases requiring hospitalization with informative data to perform the nitrous oxide causality assessment were included. RESULTS A total of 20 cases from 5 hospitals were included. The male-to-female ratio was 6:1 and the median age was 19 years (range 16-34). The neurological presentation [myeloneuropathy 64% (7/11), sensorimotor neuropathy 36% (4/11)] included for all patients gait disorders due to proprioceptive ataxia and limb hypoesthesia. The median dose used per occasion was 100 cartridges (range 5-960; n=19). The median time from the start of nitrous oxide use to the onset of neurological symptoms was 6 months (range 0.7-54; n=16). The cumulative dose was significantly higher in patients with damage to all four limbs than in patients with lower limbs symptoms only (p=0.042). CONCLUSIONS A low intermittent exposure may be sufficient to cause neurological damage in some subjects, suggesting that, at the population level, there is no safe exposure to nitrous oxide in recreational settings. The severity of neurological impairment could increase once used at high doses and for prolonged durations of nitrous oxide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bérenger Largeau
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Degenerative and vascular cognitive disorders, F-59000, Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Addictovigilance Center (CEIP Hauts-De-France), F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Arnaud Karam
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Degenerative and vascular cognitive disorders, F-59000, Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord-Est-Ile de France, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Camille Potey
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Degenerative and vascular cognitive disorders, F-59000, Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. PharmacoVigilance Regional Center (CRPV), F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Anne-Sylvie Caous
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Degenerative and vascular cognitive disorders, F-59000, Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Addictovigilance Center (CEIP Hauts-De-France), F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Céline Tard
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Degenerative and vascular cognitive disorders, F-59000, Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Centre de Référence des Maladies Neuromusculaires Nord-Est-Ile de France, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Louise Carton
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Degenerative and vascular cognitive disorders, F-59000, Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Addictovigilance Center (CEIP Hauts-De-France), F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Grégory Kuchcinski
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Degenerative and vascular cognitive disorders, F-59000, Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Neuroradiology Department, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Sophie Gautier
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Degenerative and vascular cognitive disorders, F-59000, Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. PharmacoVigilance Regional Center (CRPV), F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Sylvie Deheul
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Degenerative and vascular cognitive disorders, F-59000, Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Addictovigilance Center (CEIP Hauts-De-France), F-59000, Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Poison Control Center, F-59000, Lille, France
| | - Régis Bordet
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, Degenerative and vascular cognitive disorders, F-59000, Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. Addictovigilance Center (CEIP Hauts-De-France), F-59000, Lille, France.,Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille. PharmacoVigilance Regional Center (CRPV), F-59000, Lille, France
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