[Lethal mixed intoxication with propofol in a medical layman]

Area of Science:

• Toxicology
• Forensic Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Propofol (2,6-di-isopropylphenol) is an anesthetic agent with potential for abuse.
• Internet accessibility has increased the availability of drugs and medical information.
• Self-administration of drugs can lead to severe health consequences.

Observation:

• A 21-year-old man with a propofol dependency died from an overdose.
• The individual possessed autodidactic medical knowledge and self-inserted a cannula for daily intravenous propofol injections.
• Propofol was purchased through online auctions.

Findings:

• Postmortem analysis detected propofol in urine (364 ng/ml), heart blood (71 ng/ml), and femoral blood (79 ng/ml).
• SPME-GC/MS methods were utilized for propofol detection in biological samples.
• The case highlights the convergence of professional knowledge and illicit drug access via the internet.

Implications:

• This case underscores the risks associated with unsupervised drug use and self-administration.
• The internet's role in facilitating access to potent drugs and medical information requires further investigation.
• Understanding the evolving landscape of drug dependency and online accessibility is crucial for public health strategies.