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A fatality due to propofol poisoning.

¹(Scientific Services), Victorian Institute of Forensic Pathology, South Melbourne, Australia.

Journal of Forensic Sciences

|July 1, 1992

Summary

This is the first reported death from a propofol overdose. A 29-year-old radiographer died from self-administering propofol, with toxic levels found in post-mortem tissue samples.

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Area of Science:

Forensic Toxicology
Anesthesiology
Occupational Health

Background:

Propofol is a widely used anesthetic agent.
Cases of intentional propofol overdose are rare in medical literature.
Understanding the toxicological profile of propofol is crucial for forensic investigations.

Observation:

A 29-year-old female radiographer died by suicide.
The death involved self-administration of propofol.
The estimated dose was 400 mg.

Findings:

This case represents the first documented fatality due to propofol overdose.
High-performance liquid chromatography confirmed propofol in post-mortem samples.
Femoral blood propofol concentration was 0.22 mg/L, and liver concentration was 1.4 mg/kg.

Implications:

Highlights the potential for propofol misuse and abuse, even in healthcare professionals.
Underscores the importance of secure medication storage and handling protocols.
Provides critical toxicological data for future forensic and clinical cases involving propofol toxicity.

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