Methamphetamine-induced hyperthermia with fatal outcome

Abstract

Hyperthermia is a severe complication to intake of methamphetamines due to generalised overactivation of metabolism and muscle activity combined with vasoconstriction. In this case report, a patient presented to the emergency department after injection of 2 g "crystal meth", and advanced into fatal hyperthermia and organ failure in the intensive care unit. Treatment of substance-induced hyperthermia is symptomatic and reducing metabolism with benzodiazepines and actively lowering body temperature with ice packs and cold intravenous fluids are appropriate interventions. Dantrolene may be used but is still to be properly investigated.