Spice/K2 synthetic marijuana-induced toxic hepatitis treated with N-acetylcysteine.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Spice/K2 is one of several street names for synthetic marijuana. These hallucinogens are increasingly sold over the internet and in "head" shops. They are usually household herbs that are sprayed with chemicals that become centrally active compounds when burned together and inhaled by smoking.

CASE REPORT:

We present a case of a 45-year-old male substance abuser who was admitted with evidence of hepatocellular necrosis and worsening liver failure. Tests for acetaminophen were negative, as were tests for alcohol. The patient was empirically treated with N-acetylcysteine. Hepatocellular damage was abated and the patient made a full recovery. Upon regaining consciousness, the patient admitted to smoking Spice/K2. Other toxicities have been reported with synthetic marijuana use, but not liver toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS:

Physicians need to have a high index of suspicion for unknown hepatotoxins in substance abusers. N-acetylcysteine can be given if there is no contraindication.

• Authors: Israr A Sheikh, Miha Lukšič, Richard Ferstenberg, Joan A Culpepper-Morgan
• Journal: The American journal of case reports (Am J Case Rep) Vol. 15 Pg. 584-8 (Dec 30 2014) ISSN: 1941-5923 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25548903 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Cannabinoids
• Illicit Drugs
• Acetylcysteine

Topics

• Acetylcysteine (therapeutic use)
• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Cannabinoids (adverse effects)
• Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury (diagnosis, drug therapy, etiology)
• Humans
• Illicit Drugs (adverse effects)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Spices (adverse effects)