Table 2.
Summary of specific patients who exhibited signs of cocaine toxicity
| Patient no. | Sex | Symptoms | Management | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | M | Hypertension 230/140, metabolic acidosis (BE –4.7) | Laparotomy | 100 packets milked to anal canal |
| 2 | F | Agitation, sinus tachycardia | Diazepam, cardiac monitor | Symptoms resolved |
| 3 | M | Chest pain, sinus tachycardia | Cardiac monitor | Symptoms resolved |
| 4 | M | Chest pain, ST segment elevation in V2 on ECG | Medical registrar review, noncardiac chest pain | Symptoms resolved |
| 5 | M | Chest pain, ST segment elevation in V1+2 on ECG | Manual evacuation under general anesthesia | Packets removed; symptoms resolved |
| 6 | M | Violent behaviour, grand mal seizure | Diazepam, laparotomy | 81 packets removed via gastrotomy |
BE = base excess; ECG = electrocardiogram; F = female; M = male; V = chest lead.