ABSTRACTS
Emergency substance poisoning, typeAuthor: PATRICIA CARO | PHYSICIAN | CLINICAL TOXICOLOGIST Associate Authors: Velasquez, Loren, EMT | Prieto, Paula, biomedical engineering student
Introduction The use of illicit psychoactive substances is a global issue with serious implications for public health. In Latin America, approximately 45.6 million people used drugs such as marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, synthetic cannabis, ketamine, and "Tusi". In Colombia, 13.5% of the population aged between 12 and 65 years has reported using psychoactive substances. In this context, a study was conducted focusing on “Tusi”, an emerging drug that represents a growing challenge due to its severe effects on both physical and mental health. Methodology: A literature review was carried out on intoxications involving new psychoactive substances, with a particular focus on "Tusi". Additionally, a clinical case report is presented who was admitted to a hospital in Bogotá due to intoxication with this substance. Results and Discussion: The "Tusi" circulating in Colombia does not correspond to the original compound known as 2CB, as distributed in countries like the United States. Instead, it consists in a combination of various substances, including lidocaine, ketamine, cocaine, and methamphetamines. In Colombia, three cases were identified—specifically in Medellín—and four international cases were found, all involving individuals aged 13 to 30, mostly males. Severe clinical effects such as hallucinations, agitation, seizures, tachycardia, and hypertension can appear. As a complement, a clinical case is described involving a 16-year-old male, who was admitted to the emergency department at 3:00 a.m. after experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure in a public area. He required sedation and orotracheal intubation. Tachycardia, rhabdomyolysis, and progressive renal dysfunction were documented. During the examination, a sachet of “tusi” was found in his pants (image 1). Toxicological analysis revealed the presence of methamphetamine, ketamine, levamisole, and cocaine (image 2). Conclusion: The use of “Tusi” in Colombia represents an emerging phenomenon with significant public health implications, especially among adolescents and young adults. EDUCATION ABSTRACTS
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