Distribution of methylone in four postmortem cases.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Toxicology
• Pharmacology
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) derived from amphetamines are increasingly prevalent.
• These substances, including methylone, mephedrone, and MDPV, are often marketed as legal alternatives to controlled stimulants.
• Understanding their postmortem behavior is crucial for forensic investigations.

Observation:

• Analysis of four postmortem cases revealed detectable levels of methylone in all subjects.
• Methylone concentrations in heart blood varied, with levels ranging from 0.060 to 1.12 mg/L.
• MDPV was detected in two cases, though further data is needed for sequestration analysis.

Findings:

• Methylone did not show significant sequestration in specific tissue types postmortem.
• An average liver-to-blood ratio of 2.68 was calculated for methylone.
• The study demonstrated methylone's suitability for toxicological analysis using different extraction and derivatization methods.
• One case suggested potential chronic methylone use, evidenced by a urine concentration of 38 mg/L.

Implications:

• These findings aid in the accurate toxicological assessment of fatalities involving NPS.
• The suitability for analysis across methods supports routine forensic screening.
• Further research is warranted to understand the long-term effects and postmortem dynamics of these emerging drugs.