1. Chronic trophic disorders in cocaine and heroin injectors: A multicenter retrospective observational descriptive study.
- Author
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Pruvot C, Carpentier O, Montmureau A, Becquart C, Fievet C, Cottencin O, Staumont-Salle D, Mortier L, and Drouard M
- Subjects
- Humans, Male, Retrospective Studies, Female, Adult, Middle Aged, Chronic Disease, Cicatrix etiology, Substance Abuse, Intravenous complications, Substance Abuse, Intravenous epidemiology, Heroin Dependence complications, Heroin Dependence epidemiology, Cocaine-Related Disorders complications, Cocaine-Related Disorders epidemiology, Skin Ulcer epidemiology, Skin Ulcer etiology
- Abstract
Aims: To describe the demographic characteristics of heroin and cocaine injectors with chronic injection-related trophic disorders, as well as the clinical and progressive characteristics of these disorders., Methods: A descriptive, observational, multicenter and retrospective study over the last 15 years. Patients were recruited via a call for cases and by consulting the health data warehouse of the university hospital center., Results: The population comprised 39 injection drug users, of whom 79.5% were male, with a median age of 41 years. Subjects had numerous co-addictions and 70.5% were infected with hepatitis C virus. Trophic disorders were multiple in some cases: 43.5% of patients had lymphoedema, 87% had ulcers, and 56.5% had injection-related scars. Ulcers were multiple, large, and present for a median of 3 years. They were located on the upper limbs in 32.5% of cases. Ulcers constituted a source of complications in 64.5% of cases and these were infectious in 91% of cases (local, osteoarticular or systemic). During follow-up, 8 patients died and 21.5% of patients requiring ulcer care were lost to follow-up., Conclusions: This study showed a high rate of complications, particularly infections, of ulcers in injection drug users. Localization of these ulcers to the upper limbs, although rare in the general population, is relatively frequent in this population. Follow-up is difficult and cooperation between dermatologist and addictologist is essential to improve patient care., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: [Olivier Cottencin has acted as a chairman or speaker of symposia organized by Janssen, Indivior, and Recordati.]., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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