Encounter of plastic surgeons with pentazocine abuse: Lack of awareness or information overloaded.

Sir,

The past of medicine is studded with examples of substance abuse. Pentazocine is one such drug labelled “a drug of concern” due to its addiction potential. The situation is even more alarming in the more versed group, the medics and paramedics. Pharmacokinetics range from potent analgesic action and subjective pleasurable effects at lower doses, to unpleasant and psychotomimetic effects as dose is increased. The maximum permissible analgesic dose in adult by oral route is 600 mg daily, by intravenous route is 30 mg/dose and 360 mg daily and by intramuscular or subcutaneous route is 60 mg/dose and 360 mg daily. It starts its action within 5–20 min and its action fades within 1–3 h.[1] We present another appalling suffering of this medical personnel. He presented with non-healing ulcers[2] over both legs, 15 cm × 5 cm each, copious purulent discharge, necrotic tissues, margins undermined, surrounding brawny induration, foot drop bilaterally and florid osteomyelitis [Figures 1 and 2]. Sensations and peripheral pulsations were normal. Due to the inevitable support of peers, it became almost impossible for his family to refrain him from the drug. The ulcers at the same site were thrice debrided and grafted earlier, which recurred at the same sites due to a repeated inclination for the drug [Figure 3]. The laboratory investigations were within normal limits, except for anaemia. Pus culture and tissue biopsy were negative.

Figure 1

Deep ulcers exposing bone on bilateral legs with a halo of hyperpigmentation, brawny oedema and foot drop

Figure 2

Anteroposterior view of X-ray film showing osteomyelitis tibia and fibula both legs

Figure 3

Ulcer in healing phase after debridement and negative pressure dressings; further being planned for a flap cover

The role of plastic surgeon is to halter the process of local tissue destruction and instituting methods of ulcer healing. These wounds are mostly polymicrobial, so broad-spectrum antibiotics are always advisable, in the presence of signs of bacteraemia or positive cultures. Irrigation with normal saline or diluted povidone iodine, or hypochlorous acid, ulcer debridement (sharp, blunt, surgical, chemical and biodebridement) to remove devitalised tissue from ulcer; accelerates the healing process. Negative pressure wound therapy helps in reducing oedema, exudates, bacterial load, helps in regeneration of granulation tissue and neovascularisation. Besides, autologous platelet-rich plasma infusion, O2 Misly therapy with 100% O2 alternatively with water vapour and antibiotic; low-level LASER therapy; use of topical growth factors; hyperbaric O2 therapy; all have anti-inflammatory and regenerative capability in ulcer healing. Not to mention, the choice of therapy has to be individualised. Skin grafts or sorts of flaps are various options available, if bare bone, tendons are visible. The fatal outcomes with pentazocine abuse have compelled to review the precautionary measures, in special risk group-medical and paramedical professionals[34] and those having a personal or family history of diabetes mellitus.

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Conflicts of interest

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