Clinical Characteristics of Patients Diagnosed with Synthetic Cannabinoid (Bonsai) Intoxication in Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

Objective: In recent years, synthetic cannabinoids (bonsai) poisoning is a widely seen case that needs to be treated in intensive care unit (ICU) in our country. In this study, it was aimed to discuss the clinical characteristics of patients diagnosed with synthetic cannabinoid intoxication followed in ICU. Material and Method: Patients followed in ICU of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University and Çanakkale State Hospital between 2014 and 2015 were studied retrospectively. Results: Twelve cases were included. In neurological system; confusions (n=4), drowsiness (n=7), restlessness/agitations (n=5), hallucinations (n=2), anxieties/panics (n=3), acute psychosis (n=1) and amnesias (n=11) were detected. One patient was intubated. In cardiovascular system; tachycardias (n=3), bradycardias (n=2), hypertensions (n=2), hypotension (n=1), and arrhythmias (n=2) were observed. In laboratory tests, leukocytosis (n=4), leukopenia (n=1), hypoglycemias (n=3), elevation in liver and renal function tests (n=1) were identified. The average recovery time was 19.3-hours and the average ICU stay was 3-days. Conclusion: In the synthetic cannabinoid intoxication cases; it should be kept in mind that seizure activities may occur in the first hours, myocardial infarction risk in the first 3-days. Liver-kidney functions should be monitored. Hypopotasemia is the most common electrolyte disorder. Cases without any complication are expected to recover in 24-hours. However, new types of synthetic cannabinoids are put on the market every day.

Keywords

• Bonsai
• synthetic cannabinoid
• intensive care unit