[Changes in cerebral hemodynamics in chronic users of "PACO" and cocaine: case-control study]

Abstract

Objective: To assess if there are changes in brain hemodynamics evaluated by means of transcranial doppler's flow velocity, pulsatile index and cerebral perfusion pressure, between cocaine chronic abusers and healthy volunteers.

Method: Prospective, case and control, observational study. Sex, age, user history, vital signs and transcranial doppler findings.Statistical analysis was performed by means of normality test, Wilcoxon's test for non parametric samples and T Student test.

Results: Fifty-three abusers and 35 healthy volunteers were studied. Statistical differences were found for a diminish in age(p=0.008) and cerebral perfusion pressure in all cerebral arteries (p<O.OOl) in abusers and for an increase in diastolic arterial pressure (p=0.006) and pulsatile index of mean and anterior cerebral arteries (p<O.OOl).

Conclusions: Our findings of global cerebral hypoperfusion associated to an increased cerebral vascular resistance in the anterior circulation and normal in the posterior one, could be attributable to the cocaine's sympathicmimetic effect. Transcranial doppler allows cerebral damage evaluation at the office and would indicate an aggressive resuscitation in severe trauma patients in the critical care setting.