Naslov
Suicide by Fentanyl

Autori
Sutlović, Davorka ; Definis-Gojanović, Marija

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, ostalo

Izvornik
Toxicology letters / - , 2006

Skup
EUROTOX 2006

Mjesto i datum
Cavtat, Hrvatska, 20.09.2006. - 24.09.2006

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
suicide; fentanyl; toxicology; intravenous injection; death

Sažetak
Fentanyl is potent, short acting narcotic analgesic widely used as surgical anesthetic. To our knowledge, death due to the intravenous injection of fentanyl has not been reported previously. A case in which fentanyl was injected is presented. A 41-year old nurse, an employee at the hospital emergency department, was found dead at home. She had no known history of drug and alcohol abuse. Two syringes, one empty and second filled with a clear liquid, were found near the body, while a needle was stuck into her hand. Multiple samples were collected and stored at 4 oC until analysis in order to establish drug distribution. Samples were screened for ethanol, common drugs of abuse and other basic drugs. Quantification and confirmation analyses were performed by first isolating fentanyl by extraction of 1-5 ml/g specimen. Solid-phase extraction was performed using Amberlite XAD-2, polyaromatic adsorbent resin (Supelco ; SIGMA ALDRICH, Taufkirchen, Germany). Underivatized specimens were analysed on an Shimadzu GC-2010, with ion trap mass spectrometer (mass selective detector, MSD). Quantification was performed by Selective ion mode (SIM) with external standard curve preparing with 0.0785 mg/ml Fentanyl citrate (eq. to 0.05 mg/ml fentanyl). For fentanyl three ions were monitored m/z: 245, 146 and 189. Blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) was measured by Shimadzu GC-2010 with headspace and flame ionization detector (FID). Toxicological analysis was positive of fentanyl poisoning. In blood concentration was 540  g/L and in stomach tissue mixed with blood was 40  g/g. Blood alcohol concentration was 0.0 g/kg. No other organic bases were detected. Testing of the syringes and needle found at the scene was positive for fentanyl. Fentanyl overdose was listed as the cause of death and the manner of death was classified as suicide.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kemija, Javno zdravstvo i zdravstvena zaštita

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