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Pulmonary oedema caused by “liquid ecstasy” ingestion
  1. M Piastra,
  2. R Barbaro,
  3. A Chiaretti,
  4. A Tempera,
  5. S Pulitanò,
  6. G Polidori
  1. Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Catholic University Medical School, Rome, Italy
  1. Correspondence to:
    Dr M Piastra, Terapia Intensiva Pediatrica, Policlinico Gemelli, L.go Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy;
    marcomd{at}katamail.com

Abstract

In this case report we describe the first recorded case of alveolar gas exchange impairment caused by “liquid ecstasy” ingestion, and perhaps inhalation, by a 4 year old child. The pulmonary gas diffusion disturbance was sufficiently prolonged to raise the suspicion of a direct toxic effect on the alveolar–capillary membrane.

  • gamma butyrolactone intoxication
  • coma
  • respiratory failure
  • pulmonary oedema
  • ecstasy
  • CNS, central nervous system
  • GBL, gamma butyrolactone
  • GHB, gamma hydroxybutyrate
  • PICU, paediatric intensive care unit

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