Comparison of crystalline methamphetamine (“ice”) users and other patients with toxicology-related problems presenting to a hospital emergency department

Dargan, Paul I; Wood, David M

doi:10.5694/j.1326-5377.2008.tb01996.x

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To the Editor: We read the article by Bunting and colleagues1 with interest, as it attempted to address the important question of whether agitation and aggression are more commonly seen with methamphetamine toxicity. However, we have several concerns about the results presented in this study and the conclusions drawn by the authors.

Guy’s and St Thomas’ Poisons Unit, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.

Correspondence: paul.dargan@gstt.nhs.uk

1. Bunting PJ, Fulde GWO, Forster SL. Comparison of crystalline methamphetamine (“ice”) users and other patients with toxicology-related problems presenting to a hospital emergency department. Med J Aust 2007; 187: 564-566. <MJA full text>
2. Buckley NA, Whyte IM, Dawson AH, et al. Self-poisoning in Newcastle, 1987–1992. Med J Aust 1995; 162: 190-193.
3. Vitale S, van de Mheen D. Illicit drug use and injuries: a review of emergency room studies. Drug Alcohol Depend 2006; 82: 1-9.
4. Hoaken PN, Stewart SH. Drugs of abuse and the elicitation of human aggressive behavior. Addict Behav 2003; 28: 1533-1554.

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