Neuropsychological effects associated with recreational cocaine use

Recreational use of cocaine eliminates inhibition of return.

Chronic and recreational use of cocaine has been shown to impair inhibitory output control (response inhibition) but whether input control is also affected is an open question. For the first time, this study compared the ability to perform a cued target-discrimination task that measured inhibition of return (IOR), a reflexive inhibitory mechanism that delays attention from returning to a previo...

Eosinophilic "empyema" associated with crack cocaine use.

Smoking of crystalline cocaine, known as "crack" cocaine, has been associated with eosinophilic pneumonitis, but not with pleural effusions. We describe a patient with eosinophilic pneumonitis with an eosinophilic "empyema" after using "crack" cocaine. The illness resolved with corticosteroids. We hypothesised that his effusion would have increased levels of eosinophil cytokines that promote oe...

Fatal hyperthermia associated with cocaine use.

Diabetic ketoacidosis associated with cocaine use.

BACKGROUND Multiple risk factors for diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) have been described, including omission of insulin therapy and clinical conditions known to increase counterregulatory hormones. Recently, substance abuse has been identified in patients with DKA. We observed many cases of DKA in cocaine users, although the association between cocaine use and DKA has not been well described in the...

Pulmonary Effects of Cocaine Use

Cocaine is an alkaloid found in the leaves of Erythroxylon coca, commonly known as coca. Erythroxylon coca is a native plant of the Andean and Amazon regions in South America. In the mid19th century the inhabitants of the Andes chewed the leaves to ward off fatigue, hunger and thirst, to enhance endurance, and to promote a sense of wellbeing. Cocaine was used as a local anesthetic in eye, ear a...