Pubdate: Fri, 05 Oct 2012
Source: Oregonian, The (Portland, OR)
Copyright: 2012 The Oregonian
Contact:  http://www.oregonlive.com/oregonian/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/324
Author: Nick Budnick

SYNTHETIC DRUGS PUT OREGON TEENAGERS IN HOSPITAL WITH KIDNEY FAILURE: 
HEALTH OFFICIALS

The synthetic drug known as "spice" and "potpourri" is sending 
teenagers to the hospital with kidney failure, sparking a health 
alert in Oregon and southwest Washington.

Five young men in Oregon and one in southwest Washington have been 
sickened with kidney failure since May because of what's known as 
synthetic marijuana, a plant material sprayed with chemicals. Oregon 
health officials say.

Of the six, five were ages 15 to 18. All were hospitalized, and one 
was admitted to intensive care to undergo emergency dialysis when his 
kidneys shut down. The most recent case occurred last week.

Scientists have been unable to deduce the ingredients of the drugs, 
which are part chemical and part plant matter. "At this point it 
really is like Russian Roulette," said Dr. Katrina Hedberg, the 
Oregon state epidemiologist. "These designer drugs are extremely 
dangerous and life-threatening."

The people hit with kidney failure live in Clackamas, Washington, 
Marion and Douglas counties, and Clark County, Wash.

The drugs, also known as "K2," "bath salts," "pond cleaner, " 
"synthetic amphetamines," "herbal incense," "JWH-018," "synthetic 
THC" and "plant food," have been sold at tobacco shops and 
convenience stores, but have been banned in Oregon, making users and 
dealers subject to prosecution.

The men hit with the sudden-onset kidney failure have recovered with 
treatment, however the long-term damage to their kidneys is unknown. 
Kidneys clean blood, and people who have kidney failure often need 
grueling, three-times weekly dialysis sessions to live.

"This is not damaging one kidney," Hedberg said of the drug that 
caused the recent cases. "Whatever it is is obviously damaging both of them."

The drugs are increasingly popular among high school students who 
don't know they are now illegal, state officials say. They urge 
anyone feeling ill after taking a synthetic drug to immediately seek 
medical attention.

A similar cluster of four cases of kidney damage to users of "spice" 
occurred in Wyoming earlier this year.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom