Abstract
Background
Consumption of crack is one of the major challenges in public health and taking this drug has direct effects on the health of those who use it.
Objectives
To evaluate the profile of vascular abnormalities in patients receiving treatment for crack dependency at a Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and Drugs and to observe possible peripheral vascular effects.
Methods
The study design is observational, descriptive and cross-sectional. An objective questionnaire was administered to the patients in the sample to collect data on demographic details; drug use profile; and concomitant diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and/or smoking; and physical and ultrasound examinations were conducted. Data were summarized and analyzed statistically with the chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test.
Results
The mean age of the sample was 33.29 (±7.15) years, and 74% were male. Mean age at onset of drug use was 23.4 (±7.78) years and mean time since onset was 9.58 (±5.64) years. Mean consumption of crack rocks was 21.45 (±8.32) per day. The rate of abnormal lower limb pulses was higher among women. The prevalence of artery wall thickening in lower limbs was 94.8%. Time since starting to use crack exhibited a statistically significant association (p = 0.0096) with abnormalities in the spectral curve profiles of lower limb arteries.
Conclusions
Crack users exhibit peripheral vascular disorders. Length of time since starting to use the drug had the greatest impact on this system, suggesting an association between crack use and reduced arterial flow.
Keywords:
crack; peripheral arterial disease; drug abuse