Rhabdomyolysis in MDMA intoxication: a rapid and underestimated killer. "Clean" Ecstasy, a safe party drug?
BACKGROUND
Ecstasy is a popular drug among young adults. It is often thought to be safe. The dose of methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in a tablet of Ecstasy varies greatly, and there is also a difference in individual response to a dose of MDMA.


OBJECTIVE
To increase the awareness of potential mortality in MDMA use.


METHODS
We report the case of a patient with a lethal intoxication after pure MDMA intoxication. The serum toxicology screening showed an elevated level of MDMA (1.5 mg/L) but no other amphetamines or other drugs.


CONCLUSIONS
The cause of death was a rapidly evolving hyperkalemia due to rhabdomyolysis. There is still a need to educate the public about the dangers of this so-called "safe" party drug.
Vanden Eede
Herve
H
Department of Intensive Care, Haga Hospital, The Hague, The Netherlands.
Montenij
Leon J
LJ
Touw
Daan J
DJ
Norris
Elizabeth M
EM
D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000506:poisoning*; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000506:poisoning*; D012206:Rhabdomyolysis / Q000139:chemically induced; D055815:Young Adult
D006213:Hallucinogens; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine