Intracranial haemorrhage in association with pseudoephedrine overdose

Treatment of sympathomimetic induced intraventricular hemorrhage with intraventricular urokinase

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) occurred in a 32-year-old man following the use of both ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Cerebral angiography and transcranial Doppler studies showed changes suggestive of vasculitis. We describe the management and investigations of a unique case of IVH. This patient was treated with ventriculostomy and intraventricular urokinase (UK). A favorable outcome was obtained with independent function at 10 weeks post hemorrhage. The use of intraventricular thrombolysis for drug-induced IVH has not previously been reported, although it has been shown to be a safe and potentially beneficial intervention.

Intracerebral Hemorrhage

INTRODUCTION

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) occurs from the rupture of small vessels into the brain parenchyma and accounts for approximately 10% of all strokes in the United States, and carries with it a significantly high morbidity and mortality.

SUMMARY

This article reviews the course and management of ICH. The most common chronic vascular diseases that lead to ICH are chronic hypertension and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Additional factors that predispose to ICH include vascular malformations, chronic alcohol use, hypocholesterolemia, and use of anticoagulant medications. The understanding of mechanisms leading to ICH has advanced significantly, but questions regarding site predilection and timing of spontaneous hemorrhage still remain. Management in the acute setting is first focused on reducing hematoma expansion. Although no specific therapy has yet been proven effective, promising agents, particularly recombinant Factor VIIa, are on the horizon. Subsequent care is focused on controlling hemostasis, hemodynamics, and intracranial pressure in efforts to minimize secondary brain injury.

CONCLUSION

The morbidity and mortality associated with ICH remain high despite recent advances in our understanding of the clinical course of ICH. Novel preventive and acute treatment therapies are needed and may be on the horizon.

Stroke associated with sympathomimetics contained in over-the-counter cough and cold drugs

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) and pseudoephedrine are sympathomimetics contained in over-the-counter cold preparations. A case-control study linked PPA use with hemorrhagic stroke in women. Twenty-two patients with stroke associated with use of these drugs are described.

METHODS

In a consecutive stroke registry since 1988, 22 patients had stroke associated with over-the-counter sympathomimetics. Sympathomimetic dosage and type, time interval until stroke onset, and neuroimaging findings are described.

RESULTS

Ten male and 12 female patients were included. Intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in 17 patients, subarachnoid hemorrhage in 4, and ischemic stroke in 1. Stroke was associated with PPA use in 16 patients (dose 75 to 675 mg), with pseudoephedrine in 4 (dose 60 to 300 mg), and with others administered by the nasal route in 2 (oxymetazoline and phenylephrine). Stroke occurred after a single dose in 17 patients and after daily use during several days in 5. The interval between drug exposure and clinical onset varied from 30 minutes to 24 hours. Stroke occurred after recommended doses of PPA (50 to 75 mg) in 32% and pseudoephedrine (60 mg) in 50% of patients. Eight patients had acute hypertension at stroke onset. Cerebral angiography was normal in 8 cases and showed diffuse vasospasm or beading in 10 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Stroke related to over-the-counter sympathomimetics was associated with acute hypertension and/or vasospasm or angiitis mechanisms, most related to the use of PPA; however, stroke also occurred with the use of other sympathomimetics, particularly pseudoephedrine. Although stroke complications occurred when doses were used that were higher than recommended doses, apparently there is also a stroke risk when these agents are taken properly.

Effets indésirables cardiovasculaires et neurologiques centraux des sympathomimétiques utilisés comme décongestionnants de la sphère ORL : analyse de la Banque Nationale de Pharmacovigilance

Remedies for coughs and colds often contain both an indirect sympathomimetic agent plus another drug (anti-inflammatory, analgesic or antibiotic, etc.). In France, oral sympathomimetics are available over the counter, and preparations for topical use (nasal sprays or drops) require a medical prescription. Using the French Pharmacovigilance database, we performed a retrospective study to identify cardiovascular and neurological adverse drug reactions (ADRs) associated with the use of nasal decongestants containing a sympathomimetic agent. Of a total of 165 ADRs. 15 were strokes or cerebral haemorrhages. We also found the following: 67 cases of arterial hypertension, 33 of convulsions, 28 of headaches and 24 of vasomotor symptoms involving the extremities. In most of these cases, misuse or a predisposing factor was found (such as a history of arterial hypertension or headache, the combination of two decongestants, long-term use, etc.). The incidence of cardiovascular or neurological ADRs with cold remedies seems 'very rare' but some of these reactions, mainly stroke, are 'serious'. However, there is no available clinical evidence showing the benefit of such agents after repeated use over several days. Since most of the nasal decongestants are freely available without prescription, drug information is needed to advise prescribers and also patients about risk of 'serious' ADRs with these drugs.

Ephedra and its application to sport performance: another concern for the athletic trainer?

OBJECTIVE

The ma huang herb, otherwise known as ephedra, has gained widespread popularity as an ergogenic supplement. With the sympathomimetic alkaloid ephedrine as its primary active ingredient, ma huang is marketed to reduce fatigue; increase strength, power, and speed; decrease reaction time; and improve body composition. Although numerous side effects have been associated with the use of ma huang, its popularity in athletes continues to grow. This review provides rationale for the ergogenic claims regarding ma huang and compares and contrasts those claims with data from scientifically controlled investigations.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE and SPORT Discus were searched from 1970 to 2000 using the key words ma huang, ephedra, and ephedrine in combination with humans, exercise, performance, and side effects.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Ephedrine has been used alone or in combination with other drugs as an effective weight-loss agent. The weight loss has been attributed to thermogenic and lipolytic effects which, in combination with the central nervous system stimulating effects, have also resulted in its use as an ergogenic aid. Most of the scientific data, however, do not support manufacturers' ergogenic claims, and numerous side effects have been associated with ephedrine use. Thus, the safety and efficacy of ma huang as an ergogenic supplement must be questioned.

CONCLUSIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS

It appears that the risks associated with the use of ma huang far outweigh any possible ergogenic benefits. Thus, it is extremely important that athletic trainers educate athletes on these issues so they can continue to perform at an optimum level in a safe and healthy manner.

Hypersensitivity myocarditis associated with ephedra use

BACKGROUND

Ephedrine has previously been described as a causative factor of vasculitis but myocarditis has not yet been associated with either ephedrine or its plant derivative ephedra.

CASE REPORT

A 39-year-old African American male with hypertension presented to Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center with a 1-month history of progressive dyspnea on exertion, orthopnea, and dependent edema. He was taking Ma Huang (Herbalife) 1-3 tablets twice daily for 3 months along with other vitamin supplements, pravastatin, and furosemide. Physical examination revealed a male in mild respiratory distress. The lung fields had rales at both bases without audible wheezes. Internal jugular venous pulsations were 5 cm above the sternal notch. Medical therapy with intravenous furosemide and oral enalapril was initiated upon admission. Cardiac catheterization with coronary angiography revealed normal coronary arteries, a dilated left ventricle, moderate pulmonary hypertension, and a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure of 34 mm Hg. The patient had right ventricular biopsy performed demonstrating mild myocyte hypertrophy and an infiltrate consisting predominantly of lymphocytes with eosinophils present in significantly increased numbers. Treatment for myocarditis was initiated with azothioprine 200 mg daily and prednisone 60 mg per day with a tapering course over 6 months. Anticoagulation with warfarin and diuretics was initiated and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition was continued. Hydralazine was added later. One month into therapy, an echocardiogram demonstrated improved left ventricular function with only mild global hypokinesis. A repeat right ventricular biopsy 2 months after the first admission showed no evidence of myocarditis. At 6 months, left ventricular ejection fraction was normal (EFN 50%) and the patient asymptomatic.

CONCLUSION

Ephedra (Ma Huang) is the suspected cause of hypersensitivity myocarditis in this patient due to the temporal course of disease and its propensity to induce vasculitis.

Syncope and atypical chest pain in an intercollegiate wrestler: a case report

OBJECTIVE

To present the case of a 20-year-old collegiate wrestler who suffered from atypical chest pains and syncope after rigorous exercise, dehydration, and ingestion of a metabolic stimulant.

BACKGROUND

As a result of pressure to obtain a lower body weight for competition, wrestlers often pursue practices to lose a substantial amount of weight in a short period of time. These practices include rigorous exercise, starvation, dehydration, laxatives, diuretics, and over-the-counter stimulants. Our case involves an athlete who ingested a metabolic stimulant containing ma huang (ephedrine) and suffered from syncope and atypical chest pains during a bout of rigorous exercise and dehydration to lose weight for competition.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, electrolyte imbalance, drug overdose, traumatic head injury, myocardial infarction, syncope.

TREATMENT

The emergency medical services transported the athlete to the emergency room, and he was hospitalized for 2 days. After discharge, the team physician counseled the athlete in the dangers of metabolic stimulants and excessive weight-loss techniques.

UNIQUENESS

This case is unique because it presents an athlete who ingested an over-the-counter stimulant to lose weight and suffered from syncope and atypical chest pains during a bout of rigorous exercise and dehydration.

CONCLUSIONS

Athletic trainers must understand not only the dangers of excessive weight loss, but also the dangers of using unregulated ephedrine-containing stimulants to aid in weight loss.

Dextromethorphan- and pseudoephedrine-induced agitated psychosis and ataxia: case report

Pseudoephedrine and dextromethorphan are therapeutic constituents of numerous commonly used, over-the-counter cough and cold preparations. Although this drug combination is generally considered quite safe if utilized in recommended doses, overmedication or overdose can result in serious neurologic and cardiovascular abnormalities that occasionally can be life-threatening. We present a case of a 2-year-old child who developed hyperirritability, psychosis, and ataxia after being overmedicated with a pseudoephedrine/dextromethorphan combination cough preparation, and discuss probable mechanisms of toxicity and risk factors for adverse events.

Over-the-counter stimulants: abuse and addiction

A widely held belief is that amphetamine-like stimulants have abuse potential, but addiction to these drugs is seldom mentioned. We describe seven patients who fulfilled criteria for amphetamine-like abuse or dependence, based on the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. This case series lends clinical support to the research findings that amphetamine-like drugs are reinforcing and therefore can be addictive. The use of standardized criteria to classify excessive over-the-counter stimulant use as abuse or dependence distinguishes these case reports from others in the medical literature. Public concern about the misuse of this class of drugs is discussed. We propose that clinicians use standardized criteria to diagnose accurately abuse of or dependence on over-the-counter stimulants for a better understanding of the extent of this problem.

Visual hallucinations in a toddler: accidental ingestion of a sympathomimetic over-the-counter nasal decongestant

Hallucinations are uncommonly encountered in the young child. The differential diagnosis of such behavior includes a number of potentially serious syndromes such as central nervous system malignancy, encephalitis, temporal lobe epilepsy, closed head trauma with frontal lobe confusion, hypoglycemia, drug intoxications, and childhood psychiatric syndromes. Organic explanations are most often discovered and frequently involve toxicologic causes. A case is presented of a toddler with hallucinations caused by inappropriately high doses of pseudoephedrine.

Case report: pseudoephedrine-associated thyroid storm: thyroid hormone-catecholamine interactions

Thyroid storm is an increasingly rare, life-threatening manifestation of thyrotoxicosis that can be precipitated by many physiologic stressors. The exact mechanism by which thyrotoxicosis decompensates into thyroid storm in certain individuals is unknown. These individuals may have an enhanced cellular sensitivity to either catecholamines or thyroid hormone. Serum levels of catecholamines are usually low or normal in thyrotoxic individuals. Ingestion of sympathomimetic drugs in thyrotoxic individuals may precipitate thyroid storm. This article presents an unusual case of Graves' disease that decompensated into thyroid storm after the ingestion of an over-the-counter cold medication containing pseudoephedrine.

Cerebral vasculitis associated with cocaine abuse

BACKGROUND

Earlier reports of cocaine-associated cerebral vasculitis have been based primarily on angiographic findings without pathological verification.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present a case of acute encephalopathy following intravenous and intranasal administration of cocaine. Brain biopsy revealed vascular changes involving primarily small arteries. Findings included lymphocytic infiltration, endothelial thickening, and deposition of proteinaceous amorphous material within and around vessel walls.

CONCLUSIONS

These abnormalities are consistent with pathological features of arteritis previously reported in association with amphetamine and multiple-drug abuse. Vasospasm-induced changes are an alternative explanation for the vascular picture seen in this case. The patient made modest improvement with high-dose intravenous steroids.

Clinical toxicity of cocaine adulterants

Adulterants are found in all street samples of cocaine. They add an unappreciated dimension to the clinical toxicity of cocaine abuse. Identification of these adulterants is necessary to separate their effects from those of cocaine. The comprehensive toxic screen, which provides multiple modalities of drug analysis, will be a key diagnostic tool in the further investigation of these inherently toxic agents and their impact on syndromes of cocaine intoxication.

Pseudoephedrine-induced hypertensive emergency: treatment with labetalol

The case of a young man in hypertensive emergency following the ingestion of 840 mg of pseudoephedrine is reported. The hypertension, which peaked at 200/160 mm Hg and was associated with severe headache and diaphoresis, responded expeditiously to two initial intravenous doses of labetalol. No rebound was observed following the administration of an additional dose in the intensive care unit, after which an uneventful one-day hospitalization ensued. The toxicity of pseudoephedrine is briefly reviewed along with the pharmacology and use of labetalol. On the basis of previous experimental studies and the present report, labetalol is suggested as a promising agent in the treatment of hyperadrenergic-induced hypertensive emergencies.

Panhypopituitarism in a young drug abuser

An intoxicated young man returned home from a drinking party and collapsed and died in his mother's presence. Three weeks earlier, he had been released from prison, having served a sentence for possession and sale of "street drugs". At the time of his release, he and his friends had gathered together for a celebration at which drugs were used. At the autopsy table, there was initial evidence of an intrasellar hemorrhage of recent onset with ablation of the adenohypophysis. At first the prosectors considered the case to be one of drug-induced pituitary "apoplexy". However, there was subsequent autopsy evidence of chronic panhypopituitarism. The intrasellar lesion proved to be a Rathke-cleft cyst of dysontogenetic origin, probably unrelated to drug abuse. This case is presented as an example of the increasing complexities encountered by the forensic pathologist in a world of increasing numbers of available toxic substances.

Intracerebral haemorrhage and angiographic beading following ingestion of catecholaminergics

We report two cases of serious intracerebral haemorrhage occurring in young women following their first use of oral medications containing catecholaminergic agents (phenylpropanolamine in combination with ephedrine or pseudoephedrine). Both women were previously well, and there was no evidence for systemic vasculitis, coagulopathy, aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation. Angiography in both cases, performed approximately forty hours following drug ingestion, revealed the beading pattern typical of that seen in previously reported cases of presumed amphetamine-induced "vasculitis." We believe that this arteriographic abnormality is non-specific and should not be construed as necessarily indicative of arteritis.

Intracranial hemorrhages due to phenylpropanolamine

We describe 2 patients with intracranial hemorrhage after ingestion of diet pills containing phenylpropanolamine (PPA) in combination with caffeine. The first patient had bilateral simultaneous intracerebral hemorrhages, and the second had a subarachnoid hemorrhage. PPA is widely used most often without prescription and causes intracranial hemorrhage more often than has been realized. The mechanism may be induction of a transient hypertensive crisis.

Fatal intracranial hemorrhage associated with phenylpropanolamine, pentazocine, and tripelennamine overdose

Hemorrhagic cerebrovascular accident is an uncommon but serious complication of drug overdose. A case of fatal intracranial hemorrhage following overdose with phenylpropanolamine, pentazocine, and tripelennamine is presented. The pharmacology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of poisoning by these agents are discussed.