engleski

TRENDS IN METHADONE-RELATED DEATHS IN SPLIT-DALMATIA COUNTY

Methadone has a long and successful history in the treatment of opioid addiction. In Split-Dalmatia County, 33 methadone related deaths were identifi ed in the period from 2001 to 2011. Data on fatal intoxications among drug addicts were submitted for medico-legal autopsy and toxicological analysis. Results of chemical-toxicological testing were based on: blood, bile and urine samples, kidney and liver tissues, nose swab and hair samples. After solid phase extraction, samples were tested by gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Alcohol analyses had been carried out with GC-FID (headspace). A total of 166 cases (5.3 % of all performed autopsies) showed positive results for drugs of abuse in the post-mortem toxicological analysis. Combined drug intoxication was identifi ed in 32 of 45 methadone positive individuals. Benzodiazepines were found in 20 cases, among them the most frequent were diazepam, nordazepam, and oxazepam. In 13 cases, only methadone was found. Alcohol was present in 31 of 45 cases (69 %). Most methadone related death cases were identifi ed in the last two years, 6 in 2010 and 10 in 2011. The individuals were predominantly male (93 %) and ranged from 19 to 40 years (87 %). Methadone is becoming a major cause of death among drug users. According to data from the Public Health Institute in Split-Dalmatia County, 45 % were enrolled in the methadone treatment programme. This could indicate that despite strict control, methadone is still used as an illegal drug.

fatal intoxications among drug addicts; forensic medicine; forensic toxicology

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