N-Methyl-3,4-methylendioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-related coagulopathy and rhabdomyolysis: A case series and literature review

Coagulation changes, thrombosis, and hemorrhage have been described in patients following N-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA) intoxication who subsequently developed serotonin syndrome and rhabdomyolysis. The clinical features and mechanism of this remain poorly described. We describe 5 sequential cases admitted to critical care due to severe recreational MDMA toxicity where coagulopathy occurred, and discuss key clinical issues. All patients presented with hyperpyrexia then developed subsequent rhabdomyolysis accompanied by a coagulopathy within 24 hours of presentation. This included a severe thrombocytopenia, prolonged coagulation times, grossly elevated D-dimer levels, and hypofibrogenemia. Multiorgan dysfunction was seen in all patients, including stroke in one patient and major hemorrhage in another. In 2 cases, low-dose low-molecular-weight heparin was used early after presentation, with no significant bleeding complications. Blood products usage was high but variable between the patients with lower use in those who received low-molecular-weight heparin early. Other treatments included intravascular therapeutic cooling, renal replacement therapy with large filter pores and cyprohepatidine. Current evidence suggests that in this group, rhabdomyolysis with subsequent myosin release may be a profound activator of coagulation leading to disseminated intravascular coagulation. Myosin-activated coagulation seems a potential cause of MDMA-related coagulopathy in the setting of rhabdomyolysis and serotonin syndrome. Further studies are needed to validate this and explore the use of low-molecular-weight heparin to reduce the clinical effects of this coagulopathy.