Abnormal electroretinogram in cocaine-dependent patients. Relationship to craving.
BACKGROUND
The retina contains high concentrations of dopamine. We previously reported that recently withdrawn cocaine-dependent patients had significantly reduced blue cone b wave amplitude responses on the electroretinogram (ERG). In this study we wished to examine if there was a relationship between cocaine craving and reduced blue cone b wave ERG responses.


METHODS
A series of 14 recently withdrawn cocaine-dependent patients completed a 45-item cocaine craving questionnaire shortly before the ERG.


RESULTS
Cocaine dependent patients who had a reduced ( < 0.5 microvolts) blue cone b wave ERG response had significantly higher cocaine craving scores than patients without a reduced blue cone ERG response. There was also a significant negative correlation between blue cone b wave amplitude responses and scores on the cocaine craving questionnaire.


CONCLUSIONS
A reduced blue cone b wave ERG response may identify recently withdrawn cocaine-dependent patients with biological dysregulation and increased cocaine craving.
Roy
M
M
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School, Newark 07103, USA.
Smelson
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DA
Roy
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D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D003042:Cocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004596:Electroretinography / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D012016:Reference Values; D017949:Retinal Cone Photoreceptor Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*
D003042:Cocaine