Disturbances in Biological Parameters in Patients Exposed to Nitrous Oxide Abuse Experience of the Rene Dubos Hospital Centre in Pontoise

Abstract

Nitrous oxide abuse is increasingly common among young people. It's a gas consumed at parties, where access is easy and less expensive. It can cause vitamin deficiencies, leading to neurological and non-neurological clinical manifestations. The aim of this study was to establish the blood biology profile of patients hospitalized for neurological disorders in the context of nitrous oxide abuse. Methodology, we conducted a retrospective and prospective descriptive study from January 2021 to April 2023. We studied frequency of consumption, inhaled dose and time of exposure to nitrous oxide. Blood levels of vitamin B12 and B9 were measured. Methylmalonic acid and homocysteine were also measured in the blood. Results include 15 patients recruited during the study period. 7 of the 15 patients used nitrous oxide daily. One patient consumed 9600 grams per week. Ten patients had a delay in toxicity beyond one year. Vitamin B12 blood levels were normal in 8 of 15 patients. On average, vitamin B12 levels were normal at 207.57 pmol/l. Vitamin B9 was not routinely measured in 9 patients. Blood homocysteine levels were elevated in 12 of 13 patients, with a high mean of 83.36 µmol/l. In conclusion, blood homocysteine levels are a more reliable marker than vitamin B12 for demonstrating biological disturbances associated with laughing gas abuse.