Addressing the Global Challenge of Nitrous Oxide Misuse Through a Multidisciplinary Approach: Example of the PROTOSIDE Network
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Nitrous oxide (N2O) was originally used for medical and industrial purposes, but its recreational use has dramatically increased, raising a major global public health concern. Chronic inhalation is associated with neurological, metabolic, and psychiatric complications, as well as addiction. To address these challenges, the PROTOSIDE network was developed to provide a multidisciplinary approach to management and prevention. This initiative relies on competence centers integrating specialists in emergency medicine, neurology, clinical biochemistry, and addiction medicine. PROTOSIDE aims to standardize diagnostic protocols, optimize patient care pathways, and strengthen addictovigilance. A strong emphasis is placed on prevention, including awareness campaigns and collaboration with healthcare professionals and educators. By facilitating access to advanced biochemical analyses (homocysteine, methylmalonic acid) and promoting international guidelines, PROTOSIDE represents an innovative model for a global response to N2O misuse. This integrated approach enhances clinical management, reduces complications, and harmonizes public health strategies.
Source: Toxics
Authors: Guillaume Grzych, Remy Diesnis, Thierry Dupré, Jean Paul Niguet, Emeline Gernez, Damien Denimal, Sylvie Deheul, Jean Claude Guichard, Damien Scliffet, Bruno Mégarbane, Isabelle Redonnet-Vernhet, Alexandra Boucher, Anas Bennis, Laurent Karila, Etienne Cavalier, Benjamin Rolland, Christophe Riou, Cécile Bossaert, Anthony Chauvin
Institutions: Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Centre Hospitalier de Roubaix, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Bichat-Claude-Bernard, Groupe Hospitalier de l'Institut Catholique de Lille, Inserm, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Université de Lille, Centre Hospitalier de Lens, Université Paris Cité, Hôpital Lariboisière, Université de Bordeaux, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Maladies Rares: Génétique et Métabolisme, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bicêtre Hospital, Hôpitaux universitaires Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Hôpital Paul-Brousse, University of Liège, Lyon 1 Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Centre de Recherche en Neurosciences de Lyon, Centre Hospitalier Le Vinatier
Language: English
Subfield: Toxicology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4410956401