Levamisole-adulterated cocaine: a case series.
case_series · Level IV
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 22773722.
- Also identified by DOI 10.3122/jabfm.2012.04.110287.
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Abstract
The percentage of cocaine adulterated with levamisole is steadily increasing in the United States. In susceptible persons, this combination of drugs leads to a clinical syndrome that can include leukopenia and cutaneous manifestations. Many patients also demonstrate positive autoimmune markers. Biopsies of skin lesions often reveal a thrombotic pattern, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, or both. We report 2 cases of this clinical phenomenon, one of which was severe enough to require skin grafting. It is important for clinicians be aware of this emerging public health threat.