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Fatal misuse of transdermal fentanyl patches.
- Source :
-
Forensic science international [Forensic Sci Int] 2019 Sep; Vol. 302, pp. 109858. Date of Electronic Publication: 2019 Jun 19. - Publication Year :
- 2019
-
Abstract
- Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid with a variety of possible applications. Transdermal fentanyl patches are regularly prescribed for patients with severe chronic or cancer-related pain. The potential for abuse is well-known and cases associated with illicit fentanyl intake are common. Fentanyl related fatalities due to unintentional misuse are relatively rare. This study focused on those instances and their identification in forensic examinations and adds new cases and consolidates the existing femoral blood concentrations in the event of fatal fentanyl patch misapplications. A total of 35 cases between 2010 and 2018 in which transdermal fentanyl patches were detected during forensic autopsies were identified and reviewed for the frequency of unspecific macroscopic signs of opioid intoxication. Furthermore, a detailed examination is presented for 11 cases in which toxicological results were available. The cause of death was eventually considered to be related to fentanyl patch misuse in 5 of these 11 cases. Co-administered drugs and signs of opioid intoxication, especially pulmonary edema, were frequently found. Lastly, it is advised to include norfentanyl and hair analysis in the interpretation of post-mortem fentanyl concentrations.<br /> (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Subjects :
- Adolescent
Adult
Aged
Analgesics, Opioid analysis
Analgesics, Opioid poisoning
Chromatography, Liquid
Female
Fentanyl analogs & derivatives
Fentanyl analysis
Fentanyl poisoning
Hair chemistry
Humans
Male
Mass Spectrometry
Pulmonary Edema pathology
Retrospective Studies
Urinary Retention pathology
Analgesics, Opioid adverse effects
Fentanyl adverse effects
Opioid-Related Disorders complications
Prescription Drug Misuse
Transdermal Patch adverse effects
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1872-6283
- Volume :
- 302
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Forensic science international
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 31279508
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.06.016