Electroretinogram and cue-elicited craving in withdrawn cocaine-dependent patients: a replication.
BACKGROUND
We previously reported that cocaine-dependent patients with a reduced blue cone b wave electroretinogram (ERG) responses had significantly more cue-elicited craving.


METHODS
A new series of 21 recently withdrawn cocaine-dependent patients completed a craving questionnaire at baseline and following cue exposure; an ERG was also performed.


RESULTS
Cocaine-dependent patients with a blunted ERG blue cone response (<0.5 microV) showed greater increases in craving following cue exposure. When subjects were included from our preliminary study (N = 14), these differences became highly significant.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with a reduced ERG response may represent a subgroup more vulnerable to cocaine craving and future relapse.
Smelson
D A
DA
Department of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Health Care System, Lyons 07939-5000, USA.
Roy
A
A
Roy
M
M
Tershakovec
D
D
Engelhart
C
C
Losonczy
M F
MF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003042:Cocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003463:Cues; D004596:Electroretinography / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D003042:Cocaine