Increased Wound Prevalence in Those Exposed to Xylazine and Fentanyl Compared to Those Exposed to Fentanyl: An Observational Study

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine the difference, if any, in prevalence of wounds in individuals who were exposed to xylazine and fentanyl compared to individuals who were exposed to fentanyl and not xylazine. Methods: A large inpatient substance use disorder specialty hospital provided medical records over an 8-month period from July 2023 to February 2024. Individuals were admitted to an American Society of Addiction Medicine 3.7 level of care where a urine drug screen and skin assessment was conducted on admission. If the urine screen noted a presence of fentanyl, the sample was then tested for xylazine exposure. Patients were considered positive for wounds on admission to treatment if any wound was noted during the skin assessment during the admission process. Results: A total of 282 medical records were identified. A chi square test of association was completed and revealed a statistically significant association between xylazine exposure and wounds (P = 0.002, odds ratio = 2.420, 95% confidence interval = 1.376-4.254). Conclusions: This study provides early support for the previously theorized connection between xylazine exposure and wounds.