Biological Alterations of Laughing Gas Outcomes in Neurology: Monitoring Chronic Nitrous Oxide Abuse

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying the biological effects and monitoring methods of chronic nitrous oxide abuse, which can cause neurological problems such as combined sclerosis of the spinal cord. Patients may experience walking difficulties, abnormal sensations, and in severe cases may require a wheelchair. There have also been reports of thrombosis linked to nitrous oxide use. Traditional tests measuring nitrous oxide levels in blood or urine are not reliable due to the gas's short half-life, so other markers like vitamin B12 and homocysteine are being evaluated. The underlying causes of these clinical effects are not yet fully understood. The study observes two groups of nitrous oxide users: those hospitalized with clinical symptoms assessed by neurological evaluation (using the Peripheral Neuropathy Disability score) or thrombotic events, and those without clinical symptoms seen during routine medical consultations. Participants undergo blood collections for biological analysis, with samples preserved for further study. This is an observational study without experimental treatment. Participants will have blood tests at the start and at intervals up to six months to measure markers related to nitrous oxide use and clinical outcomes. Researchers will also assess nitrous oxide consumption through self-reporting and estimation, alongside the severity of related clinical signs. The main outcome is the change in blood markers over about one year. The study includes people aged 14 to 65 who currently or formerly use nitrous oxide and have social insurance coverage.

Biological Diagnosis and Monitoring of Chronic Nitrous Oxide Abuse