title: Emergency department presentations with suspected acute coronary syndrome--frequency of self-reported cocaine use.
abstract: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of self-reported cocaine use in individuals presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with suspected myocardial ischaemia/acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A retrospective review (1 January to 31 December 2008) of all suspected myocardial ischaemia/ACS presentations to our ED was undertaken. Basic demographic data and use/nonuse of cocaine were recorded from notes; where appropriate the route of use, concomitant use of other recreational drugs/ethanol, presenting features and treatment(s) were extracted. Self-reported cocaine use was recorded in 54 (1.9%) of the 2810 presentations. The mean+/-SD age of those who self-reported the use of cocaine (28.9+/-9.0) was significantly lower than those who did not (52.3+/-12.7) (P<0.0001). Twenty (37.0%) of those with cocaine use had one or more features of potential cocaine (sympathomimetic) toxicity at presentation to the ED. In conclusion, self-reported recent cocaine use was documented in a clinically significant minority of patients with suspected myocardial ischaemia/ACS.
authors: Emergency Department, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
authors: Christopher R
authors: CR
authors: Bishop
authors: Paul I
authors: PI
authors: Dargan
authors: Shaun L
authors: SL
authors: Greene
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Garnham
authors: David M
authors: DM
authors: Wood
mesh_terms: D054058:Acute Coronary Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002637:Chest Pain / Q000209:etiology; D003042:Cocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012650:Self Disclosure; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology; D020107:Troponin T / Q000097:blood; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D020107:Troponin T; D003042:Cocaine