Hyponatraemia and seizures after ecstasy use.
A patient presented to our unit with seizures and profound hyponatraemia after ingestion of a single tablet of ecstasy. The seizures proved resistant to therapy and ventilation on the intensive care unit was required. Resolution of the seizures occurred on correction of the metabolic abnormalities. The pathogenesis of seizures and hyponatraemia after ecstasy use is discussed. Ecstasy use should be considered in any young patient presenting with unexplained seizures and attention should be directed towards electrolyte levels, particularly sodium.
Department of Medicine, Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, UK.
S B
SB
Holmes
A K
AK
Banerjee
W D
WD
Alexander
D000328:Adult; D005665:Furosemide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007010:Hyponatremia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D012640:Seizures / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012964:Sodium / Q000008:administration & dosage
D006213:Hallucinogens; D005665:Furosemide; D012964:Sodium; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine