Unexpected cocaine-induced fatalities: a possible cause.

Abstract

CASE I An 18-year-old Hispanic man with drug-resistant pulmonary metastases of osteosarcoma received ifosfamide 1.6 g/m'/d iv for five days with mesna 400 mg/m' iv 15 minutes, 4 and 6 hours after each dose of ifosfamide. Treatment courses were given at threeto four-week intervals. After treatment with mesna on day I of his second course he developed generalized urticaria which required symptomatic treatment with dexamethasone and diphenhydramine. Continuation of ifosfamide/mesna over the remaining four days of treatment was not associated with recurrence of urticaria.