Novel psychotrophic substances (NPS), also known as emerging drugs of abuse, are constantly evolving structural analogues of traditional drugs of abuse that have become a threat to public health worldwide and within our locality. This study reviewed the NPS detected in cases referred to the Hospital Authority Toxicology Reference Laboratory – the only tertiary clinical toxicology laboratory in Hong Kong. The associated clinical features and toxicological were also documented.
A total of 111 cases involving 104 patients and 22 types of NPS were identified. The identified NPS included 2-phenyl-2-(ethylamino)-cyclohexanone (2-oxo-PCE, a ketamine analogue), para-methoxymethamphetamine, 4-fluoroamphetamine, phenazepam, 3-trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine, 5-methoxy-diisopropyltryptamine, 2-diphenylmethylpyrrolidine, methoxyphenidine, the N-methoxybenzyl drugs, cathinones, synthetic cannabinoids and opioids.
Among the acute poisoning cases attributable to NPS use, the severity was fatal (n = 3), severe (n = 17), moderate (n = 67) and minor (n = 17). And 11 patients required intensive care unit admission. All three fatal cases were associated with paramethoxymethamphetamine use.
It is concluded that a rising trend of new psychoactive substance use is observed locally, which is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Continued vigilance from frontline clinicians and medical professionals is imperative in the combat against NPS use.
Co-location with:
