Malaika Hilliard 202/973-5896 [email protected]
Sharon Burns-Pavlovsky 202/973-2934[email protected]
Ecstasy, Liver Failure, and Death in a Young Adult
LAS VEGAS (October 22, 2001) -- Nuri Ozden, M.D., of the Division of Gastroenterology/Hepatology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha described a case of death resulting from recreational drug use during a rave party. The poster, "Ecstasy Induced Fulminant Liver Failure--Half Is Enough," was presented at the 66th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology.
The synthetic amphetamine known as "ecstasy" (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is a popular recreational drug among adolescents and young adults. Adverse effects associated with ecstasy include respiratory depression, heart attack, kidney failure, and brain injury. For some users, such as the subject of Dr. Ozden's report, the drug has caused liver failure and death. The patient profiled in the poster reported taking only one-half tablet 24 hours prior to seeking medical attention. Her condition deteriorated rapidly despite the efforts of the liver intensive care unit and despite an attempted liver transplant.
"Based on our experience, we advise physicians to refer young patients who develop jaundice or who show signs of hepatic failure to a specialized liver unit," said Dr. Ozden. "Acute hepatitis of unknown etiology may be related to ecstasy. Even after liver transplantation, the mortality rate is 50%, and the best chance of survival is offered by the care obtained in specialized liver units."
The ACG was formed in 1932 to advance the scientific study and medical treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The College promotes the highest standards in medical education and is guided by its commitment to meeting the needs of clinical gastroenterology practitioners. Consumers can get more information on GI diseases through the following ACG-sponsored programs:
* 1-800-978-7666 (free brochures on common GI disorders, including ulcer, colon cancer, gallstones, and liver disease)* 1-800-HRT-BURN (free brochure and video on heartburn and GERD)* www.acg.gi.org (ACG's Web site)###
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