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Related Experiment Videos

Self-intoxication with morphine obtained from an infusion pump.

S B Gock1, S H Wong, K A Stormo

  • 1Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office and Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 53233, USA.

Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|April 7, 1999
PubMed
Summary

A patient with a history of opiate addiction died from morphine self-intoxication. The case highlights the abuse potential of intrathecal morphine pumps, even when functional, suggesting morphine withdrawal from the reservoir.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Pain Management
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Intrathecal drug delivery systems offer targeted pain relief.
  • Morphine is a potent opioid analgesic used for severe pain.
  • Previous opiate addiction increases the risk of medication misuse.

Observation:

  • A 36-year-old male with a history of opiate addiction died suddenly.
  • He had a history of intrathecal morphine treatment for back pain.
  • The morphine pump catheter was recently replaced due to crimping.

Findings:

  • Toxicology revealed high blood concentrations of morphine, amitriptyline, and nortriptyline.
  • The morphine pump reservoir contained significantly less morphine than expected.
  • The pump was functional, and morphine levels did not correlate with the prescribed intrathecal dose.

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Implications:

  • The findings suggest morphine self-intoxication via withdrawal from the pump reservoir.
  • This case underscores the potential for abuse of intrathecal morphine delivery systems.
  • Regulatory agencies and healthcare professionals should be aware of this abuse potential.