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Three cases of fatal paramethoxyamphetamine overdose
1Centre of Forensic Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
Two recent cases of death due to paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA), a methoxylated phenylethylamine derivative, are described and compared with a previous PMA death that occurred in this province in 1985. The deceased were 18 or 19 years of age and were reported to have ingested either methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy) or methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) prior to their deaths. Concentrations of PMA were measured in both peripheral and heart blood samples using gas chromatography equipped with a nitrogen-phosphorus detector. PMA results in the most recent cases were 0.6 mg/L and 1.3 mg/L in the peripheral blood samples, and corresponding heart blood samples were 0.7 mg/L and 2.3 mg/L, respectively. In the 1985 case, the femoral blood concentration was 0.6 mg/L, and the heart blood concentration was 0.8 mg/L. Significant differences between heart and peripheral blood concentrations were observed in two of the three cases, which may indicate the potential for postmortem redistribution of PMA.
Insights
Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) caused fatalities in young adults who believed they were taking MDMA or MDA. Blood analysis revealed significant PMA concentrations, with potential postmortem redistribution.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Paramethoxyamphetamine (PMA) is a dangerous methoxylated phenylethylamine derivative.
- PMA ingestion has been associated with fatalities, particularly among young adults.
- Previous fatal PMA case in the province occurred in 1985.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and compare recent fatal PMA cases with a historical case.
- To quantify PMA concentrations in blood samples from deceased individuals.
- To investigate potential postmortem redistribution of PMA.
Main Methods:
- Case study analysis of three fatal incidents involving suspected PMA ingestion.
- Gas chromatography with a nitrogen-phosphorus detector for PMA quantification.
- Analysis of peripheral, heart, and femoral blood samples.
Main Results:
- Two recent cases involved individuals aged 18-19 who ingested substances presumed to be MDMA or MDA.
- PMA concentrations in recent cases were 0.6-1.3 mg/L (peripheral blood) and 0.7-2.3 mg/L (heart blood).
- Significant differences between heart and peripheral blood PMA levels were noted in two cases, suggesting postmortem redistribution.
Conclusions:
- PMA is a lethal substance that may be misidentified as MDMA or MDA by users.
- Accurate toxicological analysis is crucial for identifying PMA in postmortem investigations.
- Observed blood concentration differences highlight the importance of considering postmortem redistribution in interpreting toxicology results.