Acute kidney injury and critical limb ischemia associated with the use of the so called legal high 3-fluorophenmetrazine

International Conference on Nephrology

November 19-21, 2018 Cape Town, South Africa

Michael T Fawzy

Basildon University Hospital, UK

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nephrol Ther

Abstract :

Until the law in the United Kingdom (UK) changed in May 2016 so called "legal highs" or "new psychoactive substances" were freely available in high street shops across the UK. Following prohibition these drugs are still easily purchased illegally via the internet. We report a case of a patient who self-administered 3-fluorophenmetrazine intravenously with catastrophic consequences. Adverse effects were almost immediate with symptoms of malaise and tachycardia. Two days post administration he was transferred to the intensive therapy unit with acute kidney injury and irreversible four limb ischemia. He required a period of renal replacement therapy and bilateral lower limb amputation. This case highlights the fact that new psychoactive substances have many unintended adverse effect which have not been previously described. Multiple routes of administration are used by people taking these agents including intravenously. Medical practitioners should always consider ingestion of new psychoactive substances in the differential diagnosis of acutely ill patients.

Biography :

Michael T Fawzy has completed his Graduation from Minia University Medical School (Egypt). He is dually trained in Internal Medicine and Nephrology. He has fulfilled his training program in 3 countries i.e.; the UK, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. He has been practicing since 2001, the last 3 years in London, UK, at Guy’s hospital (selected as one of the top 5 hospitals in the UK). His practice specializes in the care of renal failure in critically ill patients, chronic kidney disease, hypertension and Vasculitis. His special interests also include end-of-life issues, advanced directives and furthering organ procurement. He is also a Clinical Associate Lecturer of Medicine at University Medical School in Egypt and is a Member of Royal College of Physicians in London. He used to be lecturer and examiner at King’s college medical school in London.

E-mail: Michael.fawzy@nhs.net