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Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Comprehensive Analysis of Drug Response using the FLICK Assay
Published on: June 6, 2025
[Histopathological characterization of drug-related death]
Ying-hai Zhao1, Bo-tao Luo, Han-guo Jiang
1Department of Pathology, Guangdong Medical College, Zhanjiang 524023, China. 13692490452@139.com
Objective:
To study the histopathological changes in drug-related death cases in order to provide valuable information for its diagnosis.
Methods:
Thirty cases of drug-related death were collected for systemic autopsy and histopathology examination. Ante mortem history and other informations of each case were also reviewed and analyzed.
Results:
Injection marks, emaciation, asphyxia and histopathological changes in critical organs and tissues correlated with addiction behavior. In the 30 cases, 20% died of diseases, 33.3% acute drug intoxication, 26.7% quitting drug, 10% sudden death, and 10% outside violence.
Conclusion:
Systemic autopsy and histopathology examination in drug-related death are useful for determination of the cause of death in these cases.
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