Prevalence of Complication Among Injection Drug Abusers (Idas) in Isfahan, Iran



Abdali H^{1, 2, 3} ; Faiiaz L¹ Show Affiliations
Source: Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences Published:2005

Abstract

Introduction: Infectious diseases are more prevalent among injection drug abusers. The aim of this study was to determine the most prevalent injection complications in injection drug abusers (IDAs) of Isfahan, Iran. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 400 IDAs were studied. All subjects were examined clinically and according to their physical examination results and the history of previous complications like skin abscess, brain abscess, endocarditis, bleeding, mycotic aneurysm and amputation, the prevalence of different complications was determined. Obtained data were analyzed using Chi-square and one-way analysis of variance. Results: In this study 0.5% had endocarditis, 27.75% had skin abscess, 32.75% had mycotic aneurysm, 23% had bleeding, 0.25% had brain abscess and 25% had amputation in their history. 3.25% of the IDAs had history of admission. Skin abscess was the most prevalent cause of admission which accounted for 25% of cases. Aneurysm was the most common complication in medical history and the most common finding in examination but skin abscess was the most common complication that had led to hospitalization. Conclusion: Mycotic aneurysm, skin abscess and bleeding are common among IDAs. However other complications like endocarditis and brain abscess are also present, but they have high morbidity and mortality. Thus, the importance of prevention & timely treatment of these complications is necessary.