Characteristics of fatal 'novel' benzodiazepine toxicity in Australia.
Forensic Sci Int
; 331: 111140, 2022 Feb.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-34894611
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
The study aimed to determine 1. The characteristics of all recorded cases of fatal drug poisoning involving 'novel' benzodiazepines (NBZDs) in Australia; 2. The toxicology of cases; and 3. The major autopsy findings.METHODS:
Retrospective study of all deaths due to drug toxicity in Australia in which NBZDs were present in blood toxicology, retrieved from the National Coronial Information System (2000-2021). Information was collected on case characteristics, toxicology and major organ pathology.RESULTS:
A total of 40 cases were identified, the first occurring in 2015, with a median age of 26.5 years and 87.5% being male. Death was due to accidental toxicity in 92.5% of cases. There were extensive histories of substance use problems (80.0%) and mental health problems (32.5%). Etizolam was the most common NBZD (87.5%), followed by flubromazolam (15.0%), with other NBZDs detected in 20.0% (delorazepam, diclazepam, flualprazolam, flubromazepam, lormetazepam). Multiple NBZDs were present in 27.5%. Other drugs were present in 97.5%, most commonly opioids (70.0%), registered benzodiazepines (62.5%), psychostimulants (45.0%) and gabapentinoids (32.5%). A CNS depressant other than a NBZD was detected in 95.0% (n = 38). Autopsies were conducted and available for 30 cases, with pulmonary oedema (76.7%, n = 23), aspiration of vomitus (46.7%, n = 14) and acute bronchopneumonia (36.7%, n = 11) the most common diagnoses.CONCLUSIONS:
The 'typical' NBZD-related death was a young male who died due to accidental toxicity. Deaths most frequently involved etizolam and multiple substances, particularly depressants.Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Substance-Related Disorders
/
Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
/
Central Nervous System Stimulants
Type of study:
Observational_studies
/
Prognostic_studies
/
Risk_factors_studies
Limits:
Adult
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
Language:
En
Journal:
Forensic Sci Int
Year:
2022
Type:
Article