Hyperthermia and Ecstasy: New Case Study Offers Possible Clue to Ecstasy-caused Death

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[top]Hyperthermia and Ecstasy: New Case Study Offers Possible Clue to Ecstasy-caused Deaths

TORONTO, May 29 /CNW/ - Death caused by the drug ecstasy (mdma) is veryrare compared to the high number of users. And the reasons why some ecstasyusers are especially susceptible to a fatal drug reaction are not known,though these deaths often involve severe hyperthermia (increased bodytemperature). A new case study in the Journal of Forensic Sciences points to apre-existing defect affecting temperature regulation as one factor that mightcontribute to some ecstasy deaths. Working with Centre of Forensic Sciences toxicologist Teri Martin and theOffice of the Chief Coroner of Ontario, the Centre for Addiction and MentalHealth (CAMH)'s Dr. Stephen Kish described a young woman who developed fatalhyperthermia after taking ecstasy. It was later discovered at autopsy that shehad an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), a condition that can make somepeople less tolerant to heat. "This single case cannot prove that hyperthyroidism contributed to thedeath of the ecstasy user", said Dr. Kish, Professor of Psychiatry andPharmacology, University of Toronto, and Head, Human Neurochemical PathologyLaboratory, CAMH, "but it does suggest what many scientists have suspected -that a pre-existing problem in temperature regulation might increase the riskof an ecstasy-triggered death. This is supported by other data showing thatexperimental animals that are hyperthyroid are more likely to die when exposedto ecstasy." "There are probably many different factors that explain deaths caused byecstasy, including room temperature, physical activity, and fluid intake",said Chief Coroner Dr. Barry McLellan. "This case study highlights that apre-existing condition that can affect body temperature may contribute to anecstasy-related death." Kish adds: "We already know that ecstasy can cause death, and ecstasyusers need to be especially concerned if they have a medical conditionaffecting body temperature." The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is one of the leadingaddiction and mental health organizations in North America and Canada'slargest mental health and addiction teaching hospital. CAMH is a Pan AmericanHealth Organization and World Health Organization Collaborating Centre, and isfully affiliated with the University of Toronto. CAMH combines clinical care,research, policy, education and health promotion to transform the lives ofpeople impacted by mental health and addiction issues.