Adherence to Long-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Life-Threatening, Inhaled Synthetic Cannabinoids-Associated Coagulopathy in Chicago

We report on 3 poisoned patients who reside in underserved, socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods of Chicago that were admitted and treated successfully at two inner-city, tertiary care hospitals in Chicago. The patients were discharged from the hospitals on daily long-term high-dose oral vitamin K1 (VK1), provided free of charge. However, 2 patients were lost to follow-up prior to safe discontinuation of oral VK1 therapy. The third patient was treated and followed successfully for 7  months when VK1 was discontinued. We conclude that prolonged oral VK1 therapy and follow-up of acute, life-threatening LAAR poisoning are variable and present challenges to healthcare providers. Appropriate practice guidelines to improve patient access and adherence to daily high-dose oral VK1 therapy and follow-up should be developed and implemented.
Source: Lung - Category: Respiratory Medicine Source Type: research