Burns caused by nitrous oxide cylinder misuse

• Published in: Annales de chirurgie plastique et esthétique Vol. 68; no. 2; pp. 180 - 183
• Main Authors: Tillet, P, Bekara, F, Boissiere, F, Boukhenouna, H, Rouchaleou, P, Gouia, H, Chaligne, C, Herlin, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: French
• Published: France 01.04.2023
• Subjects: Adult; Burns - therapy; Female; Humans; Male; Narcotics; Nitrous Oxide - adverse effects; Thigh; Protoxyde d’azote; Brûlures; Cylinder; Misuse; Usage détourné; Bonbonne; Nitrous oxide; Burns
• ISSN: 1768-319X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.anplas.2023.01.005

In recent years, we have seen an increase in the frequency of the misuse of nitrous oxide as a narcotic. The risks associated with its use are now well-known, such as neurological and psychiatric risks. In this study, we report our experience with specific thigh burns when using nitrous oxide canisters for narcotic purposes. Between November 2021 and August 2022 we treated 4 patients burned during a nitrous oxide use accident. We report the cases of three women and one man with an average age of 28. Two of them were treated in addictology. We observed an average delay before consultation of a healthcare professional of 7days. The burns were all rounded and deep, localized at the level of the thighs. For three of the patients (one having been lost to sight), a split thickness skin graft was performed within an average of 32days. The non-medical use of nitrous oxide represents a real public health problem in addition to the adverse effects of the substance itself. Prevention and health security measures seem to be becoming essential.