Synthetic Cannabinoids (SCs) K2 clinical manifestation-A literature review
European psychiatry March 1, 2023 S. Kamrun, T. Sultana, F. Faruki et al.
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), known as K2 or spice, are more potent than THC and can cause severe health effects. A review of case series and cross-sectional studies found that SC intoxication leads to life-threatening physical and psychiatric symptoms. In 30 ICU patients, common outcomes included agitation (33%), coma (33%), seizure (20%), acute respiratory failure (60%), tracheal intubation (70%), rhabdomyolysis (26%), invasive mechanical ventilation (40%), acute kidney injury (26%), and cardiotoxic effects. Among 50 male cases, altered perception (68%), palpitation (76%), chest pain (12%), and convulsion were reported. Psychiatric presentations include acute anxiety, agitation, psychosis, paranoia, disorientation, hallucinations, and delusions. Clinicians should be vigilant for these varied manifestations.