Difficulties interpreting concentrations in fatal cases: example of 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine.
Forensic Toxicol
; 40(2): 383-392, 2022 07.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-36454420
PURPOSE: Death related to the use of drugs is evident when drugs are detected in biological matrices within toxic levels, but sometimes it can be less obvious. Intoxications after 2,5-dimethoxy-4-chloroamphetamine (DOC) use are occurring but up to date, only one fatality has been reported. Here we present the case of a young woman admitted to hospital as she presented vomiting, convulsions and cardiorespiratory arrest. METHODS: Blood ethanol concentration was determined using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection and toxicological screenings (blood, gastric content and hair samples) were performed using liquid chromatography with diode array detection, gas chromatography or liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection. RESULTS: Her health state declined with cardiac troubles, organs failure and cerebral edema till death occurring 4 days later. The autopsy revealed the presence of hemorrhagic infiltration inside the left ventricle, pulmonary edema and hemorrhagic infiltration of the terminal ileum. The analysis of biological fluids confirmed the presence of DOC (< 10 ng/mL in cardiac blood sample), buprenorphine, cocaine and cannabis metabolites. The analysis of hair highlighted a history of drugs abuse. CONCLUSION: In the absence of evident identified cause, the hypothesis of a death due to acute drugs use within a history of chronic consumption of drugs has been put forward. The concentration of some substances such as new psychoactive substances can be low in biological matrices but the toxic effects can be additive and lead to death even within young people, hence the importance of the knowledge of consumption history.
Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Morte Encefálica
/
Anfetamina
Tipo de estudo:
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Adolescent
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Female
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Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Forensic Toxicol
Ano de publicação:
2022
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
França
País de publicação:
Japão