Clinical features associated with ADB-BUTINACA exposure in patients attending emergency departments in England

Abstract

Objective

Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRA) are commonly encountered new psychoactive substances. Here we report the recent detection of ADB-BUTINACA in samples from patients attending United Kingdom emergency departments with toxicity after suspected drug misuse and describe the associated clinical features.

Methods

Consenting adults (≥16 y) presenting to participating hospitals with toxicity after suspected drug misuse have been included in the Identification Of Novel psychoActive substances (IONA) study since March 2015. Demographic and clinical features are recorded and blood and/or urine samples analysed using high-resolution accurate mass liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results

By December 2021, analytical data were available for 1279 IONA participants and ADB-BUTINACA was detected in at least one sample from 10 (9 males, age range 16–51 median 45 years), all presenting since February 2021. Smoking ‘spice’ was reported by four patients, two had ingested edible “cannabis” gums and four reported heroin use (2 intravenous, 1 smoked, 1 route not known). Co-use of pregabalin (oral) and crack cocaine (smoked) were also reported. In 3 cases ADB-BUTINACA was the only substance detected, while in seven other substances of misuse were also detected including other SCRA, opioids, benzodiazepines cocaine and pregabalin. Clinical features reported in these 2 groups respectively included reduced level of consciousness (3/3, 6/7), agitation (0/3, 4/7), tachycardia (0/3, 3/7), seizures (1/3, 1/7), hallucinations (1/3, 1/7), hypotension (1/3, 1/7). Metabolic acidosis (1/3, 0/7) and respiratory acidosis (1/3, 0/7), All 10 patients recovered with supportive care, including intubation and ventilation for one case. The median length of hospital stay was 19 h (range 2.6–131 h).

Conclusions

ADB-BUTINACA has recently emerged as a drug of misuse in England. Clinical features of toxicity are consistent with those of other SCRA and include reduced level of consciousness, respiratory and/or metabolic acidosis, seizures, confusion and hallucinations.

Keywords:

• Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists
• substance use
• acute toxicity
• new psychoactive substances

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the clinicians and research nurses in hospitals enrolled in the IONA study for their essential contribution in recruiting patients and collecting samples and clinical data.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no declarations of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research has been funded by the National Institute for Health Research, Public Health England and the Office for Health Improvements and Disparities, Department of Health and Social Care. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the National Health Service or any of the organisations providing funding.