SAT156 Two Cases Of Hypoglycemia From Inhalation Of Heroin Adulterated With A Sulfonylurea

Abstract

Abstract Disclosure: K. Kim: None. J. Hwang: None. S. Sam: None. Context: Hypoglycemic disorders in non-diabetic patients are rare. In the setting of concomitant illicit opioid abuse, hypoglycemia is highly unusual and an underlying cause should be systematically investigated. Objective: We report two separate cases of non-diabetic women both admitted to our intensive care unit for critical hypoglycemia secondary to inhaled heroin containing sulfonylureas. Case 1—A 51 year old female with a history of heroin addiction (on methadone) was brought to the emergency department with altered mental status. She was found to have refractory hypoglycemia and was transferred to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) for monitoring. She reported poor appetite and food intake in the past week and endorsed consuming one alcoholic beverage the night before. Case 2—A 61 year old female with a history of heroin and cocaine abuse was found by the paramedics at home with a decreased level of responsiveness and blood sugar of <30 mg/dL who also required MICU admission. She endorsed using heroin, cocaine and substantial alcohol 2 days prior to admission at a party. She reported 2 episodes of hypoglycemia in the past requiring hospitalization, with no known cause. Kidney and liver disease were ruled out in both subjects. A thorough history including illicit drug use and critical blood samples at the time of hypoglycemia including drug toxicity screen, sulfonylurea screen were obtained. Labs demonstrated an insulin-mediated hypoglycemia and positive sulfonylurea screen for glipizide in both patients. Results: Because of their non-diabetic status, their compelling history and the results of their comprehensive laboratory work-up, we conclude that these subjects had a common exposure- insufflation of heroin contaminated with an oral hypoglycemic agent shortly before their admissions with critical hypoglycemia and clinical instability. Conclusions: This is the first report of hypoglycemia related to inhalation of heroin adulterated with the sulfonylurea glipizide. Frequently heroin is intentionally mixed with other agents (diphenhydramine) to increase the volume for sale, optimize the drug uptake or to ease the side effects. These cases highlight the importance of obtaining a thorough clinical history including potential illicit drug use, acquiring timely and appropriate laboratory samples for toxicologic analysis, and interpreting the findings to curb a potentially deadly epidemic. Presentation: Saturday, June 17, 2023