Xiaodi Zou1
Fangyu Yi2
Weijie Zhou3
Yanzhao Dong3
Ahmad Alhaskawi4Haiying Zhou5
Sohaib Hasan Abdullah Ezzi6
Vishnu Goutham Kota7
Mohamed Hasan Abdulla Hasan Abdulla7
Olga Alenikova8
Sahar Ahmed Abdalbary9
Hui Lu4*Changxin Wang1*- 1Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- 2The First School of Clinical of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- 3Department of Orthopedics, No. 903 Hospital of PLA Joint Logistic Support Force, Hangzhou, China
- 4Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- 5School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
- 6Department of Orthopedics, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- 7Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- 8Department of Neurology, Republican Research and Clinical Center of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Minsk, Belarus
- 9Department of Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Nahda University in Beni Suef, Beni Suef, Egypt
Under standard conditions, nitrous oxide (N2O) manifests as a colorless, odorless gas with a mildly sweet taste. The compound finds applications in various fields, including its use as an aerosol propellants, an accelerant in motor racing, and an anesthetic in surgical procedures and dentistry. Unfortunately, the recreational misuse of N2O has become prevalent among young individuals due to its euphoric and hallucinogenic effects. Compounding this issue is the fact that nitrous oxide can be easily obtained from over-the-counter household items, facilitating its non-medical use. The global community has witnessed a surge in the recreational utilization of nitrous oxide gas in recent years. Despite the widespread non-medical abuse of N2O, there remains inadequate understanding of the potential adverse effects resulting from exposure to it. This paper provides an overview of management findings, laboratory and electrodiagnostic characteristics, as well as clinical presentations associated with neurological disorders induced by nitrous oxide usage.
Introduction
N2O is primarily utilized as an anesthetic agent. Distinguished from other inhalants, the inhalation of nitrous oxide induces a profound, transient, and pleasurable euphoria that is often described as mildly psychedelic and agreeable. It also subtly alters body image perception and can result in sensations of dissociation (1) along with its evanescent effects and rapid restoration of normal faculties, recreational users highly desire N2O for brief intoxication purposes, typically experiencing its effects within minutes. In recent years, the euphoric properties of N2O have led to widespread recreational use in the Western world (2). For instance, data collected from drug users across more than 30 countries through the 2019 Global Drug Survey (GDS) revealed that at least once in their lifetime, 90% of respondents had used N2O, positioning it as the tenth most popular substance in Western society after alcohol and tobacco.
The utilization patterns of N2O are similar across these nations with a particular prevalence of ‘whippets’—small canisters containing the gas. However, it is crucial to note that chronic exposure to elevated doses of N2O can result in significant neurological damage including cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency-induced neuropathy and even paralysis.
Therefore, it is imperative to understand and address the potential risks associated with prolonged inhalation of N₂O (3, 4). Additionally, the increasing incidence of individuals presenting at emergency departments with neurological impairments due to N₂O exposure highlights the concerning and serious nature of this trend (5).
Many of case reports have firmly established a clear correlation between the misuse of N₂O and a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including conditions such as subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord, myelopathy, demyelinating polyneuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, and various mood and affective disturbances (6–8). Furthermore, fatalities resulting from N₂O inhalation have been documented (9). Currently, only a limited number of studies have focused on the peripheral neuropathy caused by abusive inhalation of nitrous oxide (10–12), highlighting a lack of awareness regarding the toxicity associated with N₂O abuse. Therefore, this study aims to comprehensively outline the clinical characteristics, mechanisms, and management strategies for N₂O-associated peripheral neuropathy.
The mechanisms of N2O neurotoxicity
The manifestation of peripheral neuropathy can occur through various mechanisms, including distal axonopathy, myelinopathy, and neuronopathy. Each mechanism involves distinct pathological processes that result in the degeneration or dysfunction of nerve fibers, thereby impairing their ability to effectively transmit signals (13–15).
To date, Vitamin B12, as called cobalamin, insufficiency has been extensively researched, while the exact mechanism of N2O remains unclear. Although it has been observed that individuals who persistently use N2O and experience neurological damage tend to have lower cobalamin levels, it is doubtful that a vitamin B12 shortage is the sole cause of such damage (11). Elevated serum levels of methylmalonate and homocysteine have proven to be more reliable biomarkers for brain injury following prolonged exposure to N2O (16), promoting further investigation into the specific metabolic pathways underlying the toxicity associated with N2O exposure.
Cobalamin, also known as Vitamin B12, contains a cobalt ion at its core. Within the human body, it exists in two biologically active forms: methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Under specific conditions, N2O can induce neurotoxic effects primarily through various biochemical mechanisms. One significant pathway of neurotoxicity involves interference with Vitamin B12 metabolism. N2O oxidizes the cobalt ion from its functional +1 oxidation state to a non-functional +3 state (11). This oxidation renders cobalamin ineffective as a coenzyme for methionine synthase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MMCoAM), thereby disrupting critical cellular processes such as DNA synthesis and energy production. The clinical implications of this disruption may include neurological dysfunction and hematological disorders due to impaired methionine synthesis and accumulation of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (11). Furthermore, deficiency in MMCoAM enzymatic activity during lipid and carbohydrate biosynthesis leads to intracellular accumulation of methylmalonate acid (17, 18).
Another pathway involves methionine methyltransferase (MTR), a pivotal enzyme responsible for catalyzing the conversion of homocysteine and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate into tetrahydrofolate and methionine. Consequently, insufficient MTR enzymatic activity may result in an accumulation of homocysteine and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, accompanied by reduced levels of methionine, tetrahydrofolate, and S-adenosylmethionine (19). Impairment in methionine and S-adenosylmethionine synthesis can disrupt the methylation process of myelin phospholipids, leading to various neurological consequences such as demyelination in the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. Clinically, this disruption may manifest as megaloblastic anemia with potential progression to optic nerve atrophy (20, 21). Meanwhile, elevated levels of homocysteine can exert detrimental effects on physiological systems through distinct pathways: induction of oxidative stress resulting in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation that triggers apoptotic cell death; activation of NMDA receptors (22). The activation of NMDA receptors has the potential to increase extracellular Ca2+ influx, cause mitochondrial Ca2+ overload and dysfunction along with ROS formation, potentially serving as the primary mechanism underlying homocysteine-mediated neurotoxicity (22).
Vitamin B12 depletion is not the only factor contributing to the neurotoxic effects observed after exposure to nitrous oxide (N2O); other substantial mechanisms are also involved. Neonatal cerebral structures are especially vulnerable to N2O-induced neurotoxicity, which occurs through antagonism of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (22). The activation dynamics of NMDA antagonists are widely recognized to produce divergent effects, ranging from neuroprotection to neurotoxicity (22). Short-term exposure to N2O can cause reversible vacuolization in neuronal cells, while prolonged exposure is associated with neuronal apoptosis. Importantly, vacuolization involves significant swelling of mitochondrial structures (23).
It has been suggested that a change in cerebral blood flow is one of the underlying mechanisms responsible for the neurotoxic ramifications of N2O, particularly in terms of cerebral damage (22). Furthermore, N2O alone can inhibit the biosynthesis of xanthine and various monoamines, such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. This inhibition may lead to neurotoxic outcomes, subsequently triggering a cascade of events including cytokine disequilibrium, cerebral hypoxia, and acidosis (Figure 1) (24).
Figure 1. The main mechanisms involved in N2O-induced neurotoxicity.
Clinical features
The symptoms of peripheral neuropathy vary depending on the location and type of nerve damage. Common manifestations include paresthesia in the hands and feet, muscle weakness or paralysis, impaired balance or coordination, as well as pain (25).
Abuse of N2O can lead to peripheral neuropathy, a condition marked by symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and unsteady gait (26). Notably, the weakness is more pronounced in the lower limbs compared to the upper limbs. Studies of nerve function have consistently demonstrated that this nerve damage involves both motor and sensory fibers, with a considerable loss of motor nerve axons in the lower extremities (26). Further investigations, including sural nerve biopsies, have confirmed that ongoing axonal degeneration is the primary pathological change in nerves affected by this condition (26, 27).
A retrospective study (28) spanning was conducted between 2018 and 2020, involving 76 patients diagnosed with neuropathy attributable to N2O misuse. The analysis of the collected data indicated that 36% of these patients exhibited an absence of response in nerve conduction assessments. Notably, the majority presented with reduced sensory and motor nerve conduction velocities, affecting 75 and 76% of the cohort, respectively. Additionally, diminished amplitudes in sensory nerve action potentials and compound muscle action potentials were observed in 57 and 59% of cases, respectively, along with prolonged distal motor latencies. The electrophysiological data (28) revealed diverse neuropathic presentations, with axonal neuropathy identified in 37 patients (49%), demyelinating peripheral neuropathy in 4 patients (5%), and mixed neuropathy in 12 patients (16%). The primary pathological features included predominant motor axonal damage in 67% of the upper and lower limb impairments, and sensory nerve demyelination accounting for 35% of the deficits. Furthermore, a subgroup analysis suggested a correlation between prolonged N2O exposure, extended illness duration, and the severity of motor axonal damage in the lower extremities.
In our case series, the nerve conduction studies of a typical patient with peripheral neuropathy induced by N2O revealed complaints of fatigue and numbness in the bilateral lower limbs (Tables 1, 2) (1, 2).
Table 1. Motor nerves conduction.
Table 2. Sensory nerves conduction.
Diagnosis
In clinical practice, several diagnostic tests are available to identify the underlying etiology and assess the extent of peripheral nerve damage. Commonly employed techniques include nerve conduction studies (NCS), electromyography (EMG), imaging modalities, and nerve biopsy (29). When assessing patients, especially younger individuals, who exhibit symptoms indicative of peripheral neuropathy or myelopathy, clinicians should contemplate the potential for N2O neurotoxicity. A detailed history of specific and prolonged N2O use and exposure is essential for diagnostic confirmation. However, it is important to note that some patients may not disclose their N2O usage during initial consultations, which can complicate the process of establishing a preliminary diagnosis. Moreover, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and N2O-related peripheral neuropathy share several similarities (11), necessitating additional biochemical testing and nerve conduction testing to be conducted (30).
Biochemical testing for functional vitamin B12 insufficiency, such as accessing homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels, can be used to confirm the diagnosis in cases where there are consistent clinical symptoms and a history of significant N2O exposure (Table 1) (31). Furthermore, it is recommended to conduct nerve conduction studies in order to further characterize the involvement of the peripheral nervous system (Table 3) (32, 33).
Table 3. Diagnostic examinations for individuals with suspected nitrous oxide poisoning (31).
A low concentration of vitamin B12 is observed in 54–72% of patients experiencing neurological issues due to N2O exposure (34, 35). This occurrence is more likely in individuals exhibiting symptoms after shorter doses, indicating increased susceptibility (35). Low concentrations of vitamin B12 in long-term users may be indicative of accelerated clearance (36, 37). This reduced enzymatic activity results in the accumulation of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid, with at least one of these being elevated in over 90% of patients (38). Consequently, these biomarkers are more sensitive indicators compared to vitamin B12 concentrations, as the latter can remain within the normal range in a significant proportion of users despite neurotoxicity. In an attempt to mitigate neurotoxicity and maintain normal levels of these biomarkers, some users supplement with additional vitamin B12. However, although this practice may potentially mislead clinicians, it does not offer complete protection against the neurological side effects associated with nitrous oxide usage (39, 40).
The majority of patients exhibiting symptoms demonstrate atypical results in nerve conduction studies (33–35). While a minority of these individuals exhibit signs of isolated demyelination, the predominant irregularity observed is axonal degeneration, which may occur with or without accompanying demyelination. It is noteworthy that individuals who regularly use N2O tend to experience more pronounced motor impairments compared to those with a deficiency of vitamin B12 not associated with nitrous oxide exposure (41).
In previous studies, MRI was used to diagnose lesions on the spinal cord and cerebral cortex (27). Based on our expertise, we recommend using ultrasonography to identify peripheral nerve impairments (42, 43). Echo enhancement around peripheral nerves can be observed with ultrasound (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Ultrasonographic image of nitrous oxide-Induced peripheral neuropathy. Panels (A,B) show the echo enhancement around peripheral nerves in the left lower limb. Panels (C,D) are the right lower limb. *TN refers to the tibial nerve. CPN refers to common the peroneal nerve. SN refers to the sciatic nerve.
In conclusion, when patients with a history of N2O use present symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, physicians should consider the possibility of N2O-induced peripheral neuropathy. Further nerve conduction studies (NCS) can confirm the presence of peripheral nerve damage. Additionally, a concurrent decrease in Vitamin B12 levels can aid in diagnosing N2O-related peripheral neuropathy.
Treatment
Prior research has indicated that prolonged usage of N2O heightens the likelihood of neurological impairments, and discontinuing exposure to the toxin is the foremost crucial initial measure for treatment (11, 12, 30). Supplementation with vitamin B12 is advised, and in some cases, it may be combined with methionine, despite the limited evidence underpinning its efficacy (31). We propose an administration of 1,000 μg of vitamin B12, either subcutaneously or intramuscularly, on a daily basis for 1–2 weeks. Subsequently, either weekly injections administered by caregivers or daily oral doses of 2,000 μg should continue until symptomatic relief is achieved. This recommendation is based on the favorable safety profile of vitamin B12 (44, 45). Furthermore, we propose a secure and efficacious regimen of methionine supplementation, with an oral dosage of 1 g administered three times daily for a minimum of 4–6 weeks, or until significant symptomatic improvement is observed (46). Due to the potential for exacerbation of symptoms and prolonged recovery, initiating folate supplementation before the restoration of vitamin B12 levels is not recommended, as it is unlikely to benefit the patient (47, 48). In certain cases, integrating physical rehabilitation along with social and psychological support measures may be essential.
The beneficial effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in repairing peripheral nerve injuries have been well-documented in previous literature (49). A recent prospective study (50) assessed the efficacy of HBOT following primary nerve repair in patients with upper extremity nerve injuries. The study results shown that compared to the control group, the group treated with hyperbaric oxygen achieved a higher power score, exhibited a faster recovery rate, and demonstrated quicker impulse transmission. However, there is limited documentation regarding the use of HBOT for treating peripheral nerve injuries caused by N2O. In our experience, we are investigating the potential use of HBOT as an adjunctive treatment for patients with peripheral neuropathy induced by the abusive inhalation of N2O.
The prognosis for recovery varies among patients; however, the vast majority of patients (95–97%) exhibit some degree of improvement. It is important to note that despite months of therapeutic intervention, over one-third of hospitalized patients continue to manifest neurological symptoms (Figure 3 and Table 4) (34, 35).
Figure 3. A patient with peripheral neuropathy caused by excessive inhalation of nitrous oxide is undergoing treatment with hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Table 4. Treatment for peripheral neuropathy caused by N2O.
Conclusion
Nitrous oxide, is known for its cost-effectiveness and ease of procurement. It is widely utilized as a recreational substance, particularly among the adolescent population. Its consumption is a frequently overlooked as a potential cause of neurological disorders, primarily myelopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and encephalopathy, which may be accompanied by hematological abnormalities. Furthermore, it has the potential to induce functional vitamin B12 deficiency. Therefore, healthcare professionals are encouraged to consider and inquire about nitrous oxide use in patients presenting with unexplained clinical manifestations suggestive of vitamin B12 deficiency or other neurologic symptoms consistent with its usage.
In conclusion, a comprehensive understanding and recognition of the neurological implications associated with the utilization of N2O is imperative for healthcare professionals. By considering the potential involvement of N2O in patients presenting with inexplicable neurological symptoms or exhibiting signs of vitamin B12 deficiency, healthcare professionals can assume a pivotal role in early detection, diagnosis, and management of related conditions, thereby enhancing patient care and optimizing outcomes.
Author contributions
XZ: Writing – original draft, Writing - review & editing. FY: Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing. WZ: Visualization, Writing – review & editing. YD: Investigation, Writing – review & editing. AA: Funding acquisition, Writing – review & editing. HZ: Methodology, Writing – review & editing. SE: Software, Writing – review & editing. VK: Supervision, Writing – review & editing. MA: Validation, Writing – review & editing. OA: Data curation, Formal analysis, Writing – review & editing. SA: Software, Writing – review & editing. HL: Conceptualization, Writing – review & editing. CW: Conceptualization, Writing – review & editing.
Funding
The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Publisher’s note
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Keywords: nitrous oxide – N2O, peripheral neuropathy, abusive inhalation, neurological disorders, clinical characteristics
Citation: Zou X, Yi F, Zhou W, Dong Y, Alhaskawi A, Zhou H, Ezzi SHA, Kota VG, Abdulla MHAH, Alenikova O, Abdalbary SA, Lu H and Wang C (2024) Mechanisms and recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of nitrous oxide-induced peripheral neuropathy: a narrative review. Front. Neurol. 15:1381938. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1381938
Edited by:
Corrado Italo Angelini, University of Padua, ItalyReviewed by:
Mohamed Shatholy, Ain Shams University, EgyptTracy Peters, Fujian Medical University, China
Copyright © 2024 Zou, Yi, Zhou, Dong, Alhaskawi, Zhou, Ezzi, Kota, Abdulla, Alenikova, Abdalbary, Lu and Wang. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Changxin Wang, wcxzcmu@163.com; Hui Lu, huilu@zju.edu.cn