Validation of a 6-hour observation period for cocaine body stuffers

The recent article by Heard et al [1] heightened awareness of the challenges faced by physicians evaluating “body stuffers.” Although serious complications after cocaine body stuffing, such as seizures, typically occur rapidly after ingestion, there is at least 1 report of delayed seizures in a crack cocaine body stuffer, occurring at 10 to 24 hours postingestion [2]. This presents a controversy in defining an appropriate time for observation under medical supervision.

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☆Disclosures: Drs Clark and Gutierrez are military service members. This work was prepared as a part of their official duties. Title 17 USC 105 provides that “Copyright protection under this title is not available for any work of the United States Government.” Title 17 USC 101 defines a US government work as a work prepared by a military service member or employee of the US government as part of that person's official duties. The views expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense, or the US government.

Validation of a 6-hour observation period for cocaine body stuffers☆

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