Vasculopatia periférica em dependentes de crack em acompanhamento no Centro de Atenção Psicossocial para Álcool e Drogas (CAPS-AD III) no município de Palmas - Tocantins

Abstract

The crack consumption is a major challenge in public health and the use of this drug has direct effects on the health of its users. Objectives: To identify the profile of patients in treatment for drug addiction crack at the Psychosocial Care Center for Alcohol and Drugs (CAPS-AD III) in Palmas - TO, as well as if it’s possible peripheral vascular effects. Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study. Patients were submitted to an objective questionnaire assessing demographic issues, standard of drug use, diabetes mellitus coexistence, high blood pressure or smoking, and physical and ultrassonography examination. Data were summarized and statistically analyzed with chi-square or Fisher's exact test. The significance level was 5% (p <0.05). Results: The mean age of the 58 subjects of the sample was 33.29 (± 7.15) years, and almost 74% were male. The average age of onset of drug use was 23.4 (± 7.78) years, with an average usage time of 9.58 (± 5.64) years. The average consumption of crack was 21.45 (± 8.32) stones, with an average weekly frequency of drug use of 5.74 (± 1.81) days. Alteration pulses in the lower limbs was prevalent in women. The prevalence of arterial wall thickening of the lower limbs was 94.8%. The drug usage time presented statistical association (p = 0.0096) with altered spectral curve pattern of lower limb arteries. Conclusions: The time of drug use was the most important factor and with greater impact on the peripheral vascular system, suggesting an association between crack use and the reduction of blood flow in the lower limbs.