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Related Experiment Videos

Three cases of fatal paramethoxyamphetamine overdose.

T L Martin1

  • 1Centre of Forensic Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|October 16, 2001
PubMed
Summary

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.

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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.

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