Singapore, 20 November, 2008 – A new study led by the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI), in collaboration with the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) and the restructured hospitals in Singapore, demonstrates for the first time how consumption of illegal sexual enhancement products can cause severe brain damage. In a study of 8 patients who were severely affected by hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) after they consumed illegal sex-enhancement drugs, doctors have found evidence of severe brain damage. The findings have been accepted for publication in the prestigious journal Radiology [http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/abstract/2493080795].

These patients had bought and consumed illegal health products from dubious sources, believing they would enhance their sexual performance. These illegal products, had been adulterated (contaminated) by glibenclamide, a drug used to treat high sugar in diabetic patients by lowering the blood sugar. Severe low blood sugar can lead to coma and death if left untreated, and these men unknowingly took toxic doses in these fake drugs and "herbal" pills. Using advanced magnetic resonance (MRI) techniques such as diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging perfusion MRI and MR spectroscopy; radiologists were able to assess the extent of brain damage in these patients. (See Annex A). DW MRI revealed cortical and hippocampal abnormalities, with additional involvement of the including the corpus callosum in some cases.

Hypoglycemic brain damage is a rare condition with typical MRI features but in some cases, atypical findings may sometimes mimic ischemic stroke. Local researchers have found unusual one-sided damage in some cases (3) when they expected damage to both sides of the brain. However, by using these advanced MRI techniques, they were able to better determine the real cause for brain damage and assess its severity.

Of the 8 patients in the study, 1 died and 5 had moderate to severe disability. Commenting on the study, A/Prof Tchoyoson Lim, Senior Consultant Neuroradiologist, National Neuroscience Institute, said "The study is important as it shows how the brain is damaged by consumption of these adulterated illegal sex drugs. We hope to highlight the danger of such products to the public. We strongly reiterate the advisory issued by HSA to consumers not to purchase these drugs from dubious sources, and that such illegal health products can cause permanent disability and death.

This study probably represents one of the largest series of hypoglycemic brain damage in the world and may help radiologists recognize the typical and rare features, in order to ensure timely and appropriate treatment. This collaborative study also shows that good communication and networking between doctors from different specialties in different hospitals, and between doctors and HSA, the national drug regulatory authority, is particularly important today when new threats may emerge from anywhere.

                                                             ----END---