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There have been increasing reports documenting barbiturate-related deaths, despite routine prescribing for only relatively rare indications. The aims of the current study were to examine trends in barbiturate-related deaths in Australia from 2000 to 2019 and determine the case characteristics and circumstances of barbiturate-related deaths. All barbiturate-related deaths identified in the Australian National Coronial Information System were examined. Information was collected on cause, manner, demographics, location, psychosocial factors, circumstances of deaths and toxicology. We examined these based on the age categories 18–44 years, 45–64 years and ≥65 years. We identified 511 cases. Mean age was 57.9 years (SD 20.2, range 18–100) and 56% were male. Intentional poisoning was the most common cause of death (87.5%) and was slightly higher in the oldest age group (92.1%) and lowest in the youngest age group (81.1%). Pentobarbitone was the most common barbiturate (75.7%) and pentobarbitone-related deaths increased from 0% in 2000 to 93.6% in 2017. There were notable differences between age categories, with the youngest age group recording more severe psychiatric histories. In contrast, the oldest age group were more likely to have severe physical health problems, such as cancer, chronic non-cancer pain, neurological conditions and significant cardiopulmonary morbidity. Euthanasia resources were commonly documented (33.9%), most frequently in the oldest age group (52.3%). Barbiturate-related deaths in Australia are increasing, particularly pentobarbitone-related deaths. Most deaths were intentional and involved adults across the lifespan. Younger people were more likely to have significant mental health problems, whilst the oldest age group were more likely to have severe physical health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To examine the impact of treatment for heroin dependence on drug use, injection-related risk-taking, health problems, criminality and general physical and mental health over 3 years among heroin-dependent Australians. DESIGN: Longitudinal prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 615 heroin users enrolled in the Australian Treatment Outcome Study; 94.5% of the sample completed at least one follow-up interview over 36-month follow-up. FINDINGS: The proportion who reported using heroin in the preceding month continued to decrease significantly from baseline to 24-month follow-up (99% versus 35%), with this rate remaining stable to 36-month follow-up. The reduction in heroin use was accompanied by reductions in other drug use. There were also substantial reductions in risk-taking, crime, injection-related health problems and improvements in general physical and mental health. Positive outcomes were associated with more time in maintenance therapies and residential rehabilitation and fewer treatment episodes. Time spent in detoxification was not associated with positive outcomes. Major depression was also associated consistently with poorer outcome. CONCLUSIONS: At 3 years, there were impressive reductions in drug use, criminality, psychopathology and injection-related health problems following treatment exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS: To examine suicidal behaviour and the associated risk factors among opioid-dependent cases and non-opioid-dependent controls. DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Sydney, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 726 opioid-dependent cases and 399 non-opioid-dependent controls, matched on age, sex and employment status. FINDINGS: Cases had significantly higher life-time prevalence of suicidal thoughts (66% versus 55%), suicide attempts (31% versus 20%) and multiple attempts (19% versus 11%) compared to controls. Cases were significantly more likely to indicate a severe intent to die (63% versus 43%). Both cases and controls who had attempted suicide were significantly more likely than others to suffer from substance use and psychological disorders, as well as childhood maltreatment. Risk factors which predicted suicide attempts were the same among cases and controls, including screening positive for borderline personality disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and persistent suicidal thoughts. CONCLUSIONS: Although controls had elevated levels of suicidal behaviour compared to those seen in general population surveys, the prevalence of suicidal behaviour among cases was still much higher. Although opioid dependence was related to suicidal behaviour, it did not make a unique contribution to the risk of suicide attempts over and above the other risk factors identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Surgery for the varicose short saphenous vein (SSV) remains unsatisfactory. Specific problems include locating the saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ) and whether the trunk should be stripped. Recurrence rates are high. The objective was to review the morphology of varicose SSV and to address these aspects. Methods: Retrospective study of consecutive patients scheduled for SSV surgery based on initial continuous wave Doppler assessment. Detailed analysis of preoperative duplex ultrasound examinations with quantified reflux. Results: A total of 56 limbs (unilateral) were studied, male to female ratio was 18:38 and mean age was 51 years. SPJ: severe reflux in 47, mean diameter 8.1 mm (all above the skin crease [mean 2.7 cm]). Reflux was 'focal', being confined to the peri-junctional area with normal sized and competent distal short saphenous trunks in 29. In the remainder, incompetence was 'complete' with dilatation and reflux of the entire system. In only one limb did varicosities arise distally from a proximally competent system. Long saphenous vein (LSV): coexistent reflux in 17, with communications with the SSV in 11. Deep reflux: at least one segment of deep reflux was found in 24 limbs. In this small study, no significant association with other morphology was found apart from 'complete' SSV reflux. Conclusion: The SPJ is usually severely incompetent, enlarged and sited above the skin crease. The morphology of the varicose SSV exhibits important differences from the LSV. In over half, incompetence is 'focal', confined to the peri-junctional vein and the distal trunk is competent suggesting a case for selective trunk stripping. Varicosities arising from a distally incompetent short saphenous trunk are uncommon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cohort of 495 heroin users, recruited for the Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS), were re-interviewed at 12 months regarding suicide attempts over the follow-up period. The proportion who had attempted suicide in the 12 months since baseline was not significantly different from that reported in the 12 months preceding ATOS enrolment (12.2% versus 9.1%), and attempted suicide did not decline significantly in any of the index treatment groups. Among males, there was no significant reduction in attempted suicide (8.7% versus 8.1%). Among females, however, the proportion reporting an attempt declined significantly from 19.7 to 9.8%. Of those who reported suicidal ideation at baseline, 22.8% made an attempt over the follow-up period, as did 19.0% of those who had major depression. Large, and significant, declines in suicidal ideation (23.1% versus 6.9%) and major depression (25.5% versus 10.9%) occurred over the study period. Independent predictors of a suicide attempt over the follow-up period were: social isolation, having made an attempt in the preceding 12 months, suicidal ideation at baseline, a greater number of treatment episodes and higher levels of baseline polydrug use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To ascertain the demographic characteristics, circumstances of death, toxicological results, and major autopsy findings of cocaine-related fatalities. Design: Inspection of the coronial records of all cocaine-related deaths that occurred in New South Wales, Australia between 1 January 1993 and 31 December 2002. Setting: New South Wales, Australia. Findings: 146 cases were identified. Cocaine was implicated in the direct cause of death in 86% of cases, an antecedent cause in 8% and a significant condition contributing to death in 7%. The mean age of decedents was 34.1years, and 84% were male. Half were employed, and 26% were in professional employment. The predominant route of administration was injection (86%), however nasal (8%), oral (3%), smoking (1%), and anal (1%) administration were all recorded. The most common location of death was a private home (53%). No intervention occurred prior to death in 82% of cases. The median blood benzoylecgonine concentration was 0.40mg/L (range 0.00-20.00mg/L). Cases had a mean of 3.5 drugs, with morphine (79%) the most common co-occurring drug. In 5% of cases cocaine was the sole drug detected. Cardiac pathology was noted in 57% of cases, most commonly coronary artery atherosclerosis (39%) and cardiac hypertrophy (14%). In 15% of cases moderate to severe arterial occlusion was noted. Cerebrovascular pathology was noted in 22% of cases, most commonly cerebrovascular atherosclerosis (10%). Conclusions: Cocaine-related deaths are a significant clinical problem in New South Wales. Copyright © 2005 by Elsevier Science (USA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To determine the relationship between borderline personality disorder (BPD), antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and harm among current heroin users. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Sydney, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: 615 current heroin users. FINDINGS: Forty-six percent met criteria for BPD, 71% for ASPD, and 38% met criteria for both diagnoses. ASPD was related to attempted suicide, lifetime overdose, polydrug use, depression and overall psychological distress. BPD was also related to each of these risk domains, and to needle risk and recent suicide as well. When analysed separately, both BPD and ASPD thus appeared to predict harm. For the purposes of further analysis, the relationships between BPD, ASPD and harm, the sample was divided into four independent diagnostic groups: no diagnosis (ND, 21%), ASPD only (ASPD, 33%), BPD only (BPD, 7%), ASPD plus BPD (DUAL, 38%). The division of the sample into four distinct diagnostic groups produced substantially different results. There were strong relationships between BPD and attempted suicide, needle sharing and psychopathology. In none of these domains did the ASPD group significantly differ from the ND group. Also, the levels of harm among the DUAL group were identical to BPD, suggesting no additive risk from ASPD. Thus, while initial analyses suggested an increased risk for ASPD patients for suicide and psychopathology, these relationships disappeared after BPD was taken into account. The only domain in which there appeared to be an additive risk for ASPD and BPD was heroin overdose. CONCLUSIONS: The extensive comorbidity between BPD and ASPD means that, unless BPD is controlled for, artefactual relationships may emerge between ASPD and harm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS: To determine levels of health service utilization among heroin users, the types of prescription drugs obtained by heroin users and the contribution of benzodiazepine use in health service utilization and prescribed drug use. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Sydney, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 615 current heroin users recruited for the Australian Treatment Outcome Study (ATOS). FINDINGS: Sixty per cent of subjects had consulted a general practitioner (GP) and 7% a specialist in the preceding month. An ambulance had attended 11% of subjects in the preceding month. Forty-eight per cent of subjects had prescriptions dispensed for medication in the preceding month. Thirty-nine per cent of participants had prescriptions dispensed for psychotropic medications, representing 80% of all prescriptions. Twenty per cent of subjects had prescriptions dispensed for non-psychotropic medications (20% of prescriptions). The most commonly prescribed drugs were benzodiazepines (59% of prescriptions), which had been obtained by 30% of subjects. Benzodiazepine users had more GP and psychiatrist visits, were more likely to have had an ambulance attendance and had significantly more dispensed prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS: There were high levels of health utilization among heroin users. Prescription drug use was common, and dominated by psychotropic drugs. Benzodiazepine use was a dominant factor in the use of services and in prescriptions dispensed. Despite increased awareness of the harms associated with benzodiazepines, they continue to be prescribed widely to heroin users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine lessons learned from a consecutive series of patients admitted with cellulitis, regarding factors leading to admission, management and duration of hospitalization. Methods: Prospective data over a 12-month period within a district general hospital. Centralized admitting policy of all patients with a principle diagnosis of cellulitis under the vascular surgical department. Data comparison of younger patients vs older and of those hospitalized for less than one week vs more than one week. Results: Of 85 patients admitted, 44 had previous oedema and 50 had a skin lesion as a portal for entry of infection; only nine had neither prior to the attack. Thirty-two had had at least one previous attack of cellulitis. Younger patients tended to have a more virulent systemic infection whereas older patients had more comorbidity and social problems. Fourteen patients required surgical intervention: eight had arterial and six had venous contributory circulatory disorders. Microbiological information was of minimal practical value. Surgical intervention and social problems were associated with delayed discharge. Conclusions: The majority of patients with cellulitis had predisposing oedema/skin lesions and where these persisted or recurrent infection occurred long-term antibiotic prophylaxis may have been useful. Social problems and comorbidity remained complicating factors but more patients could probably have been managed in a domiciliary setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: The aim of this study was to examine the correlates, context and risk perceptions regarding gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) overdose among a sample of recreational GHB users in Australia. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey of 76 GHB users who were administered a structured interview on GHB use. They were asked a series of questions regarding whether they had ever experienced a GHB overdose, the context of their most recent GHB overdose, and about their perceptions of the risks of GHB overdose. FINDINGS: This sample of GHB users had not had a long or extensive experience with GHB use; despite this, half (53%) had experienced a GHB overdose. This sample of GHB users appeared to be well-educated, employed and a history of either drug treatment or incarceration was uncommon. There were no differences between those who had or had not overdosed in terms of socio-demographic characteristics, extent of other drug use or typical patterns of other drug use when using GHB. However, those who had overdosed on GHB had used it more times during their life-time, and had been using it for a longer period of time. CONCLUSIONS: GHB-related overdoses were common among a sample of GHB users who had only recently begun using the drug. The only apparent distinguishing factor between those who had and had not overdosed on GHB was the amount of experience with GHB use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) users, their GHB and other drug use patterns, and the harms associated with GHB use. Seventy-six GHB users were recruited and administered a structured interview on GHB use and related harms. GHB users appeared to be a stable, highly educated and well-functioning group. They had had extensive experience with a range of drugs, and GHB was typically used in conjunction with other drugs. Despite the fact that most GHB users had not had a long or extensive experience with GHB use, the proportion reporting significant negative side effects when using GHB was high (99% reported at least one), and the mean number of side effects ever experienced was 6.5. Notably, half (52%) reported becoming unconscious, 53% reported vomiting, 58% reported profuse sweating, and 8% reported having a fit or seizure. The high rate of problems reported by a group with limited use of this drug suggests that in a context of polydrug use, GHB use is associated with significant risks to users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes trends in the price, purity, availability and use of cocaine in Sydney, Australia monitored by the Illicit Drug Reporting System (IDRS) between 1996 and 2000. The IDRS monitors illicit drug trends by means of triangulation of data from interviews with injecting drug users (IDU), reports of key informants, and analysis of indicator data. The price of a 'cap' of cocaine fell from 80 Australian dollars in 1997 to 50 Australian dollars in 1998, and remained at the lower price in subsequent years. Cocaine purity was high in all years (range 50-64%), and was highest in the 1997-1998 period. The availability of cocaine and its use by IDU increased substantially, 1997 and 1998, and remained high in subsequent years. The median number of cocaine use days also increased substantially between 1997 (4 days) and 1998 (25 days), and remained at higher levels than prior to 1998 in subsequent years. Cocaine use was primarily of powder, by injection, and strongly associated with existing heroin injectors. The availability and use of crack remained rare in Sydney. Use of cocaine among IDU was associated with more frequent injections, more injection-related health problems, higher levels of needle sharing, and higher levels of criminality. It is concluded that the use and availability of cocaine in Sydney increased substantially between 1997 and 1998, and has remained entrenched in the Sydney illicit drug market. The regular and formal monitoring of illicit drug trends enabled substantial changes in the cocaine market in Sydney to be detected, and the information to be fed back to the health and law enforcement sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the abstract of a study reporting the success of subintimal angioplasty to treat critical leg ischemia from 1997 to 1998. Success rate; Factor behind increase in surgical reconstruction.

Presents an abstract of the article 'Prospective, Multicenter Audit of Complex Vascular Wound and Graft Infections: The Impact of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,' by P.D. Hayes, S. Darke and A.R. Naylor.

To ascertain the prevalence and risk factors for non-fatal overdose among heroin users to assist in the development of an effective intervention. Cross-sectional design. Community setting, principally metropolitan Adelaide. Current heroin users (used heroin in the previous six months). A structured questionnaire including the Severity of Dependence Scale. Of 218 current South Australian heroin users interviewed in 1996, 48% had experienced at least one non-fatal overdose their life-time (median: two overdoses), and 11% had overdosed in the previous 6 months. At some time, 70% had been present at someone else's overdose (median: three overdoses). At the time of their own most recent overdose, 52% had been using central nervous system depressants in addition to heroin, principally benzodiazepines (33%) and/or alcohol (22%). The majority of overdoses occurred in a private home (81%) and in the presence of other people (88%). Unrealistic optimism regarding the risk of overdose was evident across the sample. Despite almost half the sample reporting having had an overdose, and the belief expressed by respondents that on average about 50% of regular heroin users would overdose during their life-time 73% had, during the previous 6 months, 'rarely' or 'never' worried about possibly overdosing. Optimism regarding the possibility of future overdose was reduced in those with recent experience of overdose in comparison to the rest of the sample. A targeted intervention aimed at the reduction of overdose among heroin users is outlined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper examines critically the literature on deaths attributed to heroin overdose, and examines the characteristics and circumstances of such deaths. In particular, the dominance of the widely held belief that heroin-related fatalities are a consequence of overdose is challenged. Deaths attributed to overdose represented in the literature are typically older, heroin-dependent males not in drug treatment at the time of death. Fatalities involving only heroin appear to form a minority of overdose occasions, the presence of other drugs (primarily central nervous system depressants such as alcohol and benzodiazepines) being commonly detected at autopsy. Furthermore, deaths attributed to overdose are likely to have morphine levels no higher than those who survive, or heroin users who die from other causes. It is concluded that the term overdose is, in many cases, a misleading term, since it implies the same mechanism of death in all cases, an implication that is neither clinically useful nor consistent with published data. Implications for the prevention of heroin-related deaths are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A sample of 301 regular amphetamine users were interviewed regarding injecting and sexual risk-taking behaviours. Two-thirds of subjects were injecting the drug, with males being 1.8 times more likely to do so. Nearly half (41%) of injectors had shared injecting equipment in the preceding month. Females were twice as likely as males to report recent needle sharing. Having a regular sexual partner who injects amphetamines, using benzodiazepines and experiencing higher levels of psychopathology were independently associated with needle sharing. The number of sexual partners in the preceding six months was independently associated with having had paid sex in that period, and higher levels of polydrug use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]