The fentanyl phase of the opioid epidemic in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States.
J Forensic Sci
; 66(3): 926-933, 2021 May.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33394503
ABSTRACT
Since late 2014, fentanyl has become the major driver of opioid mortality in the United States. However, a descriptive analysis of fentanyl victims is limited. We studied the 2016 fentanyl and heroin overdose deaths and compared them to previously studied heroin-associated fatalities from 2012 over a wide range of demographic and investigative variables, including overdose scene findings, toxicology results, and prescription drug history. We observed a significant increase in fentanyl-related deaths (n = 421, 2016) versus heroin deaths (n = 160, 2012) but the baseline demographics between both cohorts remained similar. Victims were predominantly of ages 35-64 years (60%-64%), White (83%-85%), and male (73%-76%). 2016 fentanyl decedents were more likely to have naloxone administered upon overdose, and the majority still had a positive prescription history for a controlled substance. Toxicology data showed a decrease in mean morphine and 6-monoacetylmorphine concentrations when cointoxication with fentanyl occurred. Our study emphasizes the medical examiner's role as a public health data source and bridge between different stakeholders combating the opioid epidemic.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Drogas Ilícitas
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Fentanila
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Overdose de Drogas
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Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Opioides
Limite:
Adult
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Female
/
Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
País/Região como assunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Forensic Sci
Ano de publicação:
2021
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Estados Unidos