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Postmortem levetiracetam (Keppra®) data from North Carolina.
Sandra C Bishop-Freeman1, Nina C Kornegay, Ruth E Winecker
1North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Chapel Hill, NC, USA. sandra.bishop@dhhs.nc.gov
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|May 29, 2012
Summary
This study provides postmortem levetiracetam concentrations from 56 cases to aid forensic interpretation. Elevated levels were observed in some deaths, suggesting potential toxicity and suicide risk.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Levetiracetam (Keppra®) is a widely used anticonvulsant for seizure management.
- Limited postmortem data exists for levetiracetam interpretation in forensic toxicology.
Observation:
- Quantitative levetiracetam data were collected from 56 postmortem cases (28 natural, 28 non-natural deaths).
- Cases were analyzed based on manner of death and whether levetiracetam contributed to the cause of death.
- Specific cases included suicidal drug deaths with elevated levetiracetam levels (190 and 35 mg/L) and pediatric cases (1.4–50 mg/L).
Findings:
- The study establishes reference concentrations for levetiracetam in postmortem blood.
- Elevated levetiracetam concentrations were noted in cases where it was deemed to contribute to the cause of death.
- The data suggests a potential link between high levetiracetam levels and adverse outcomes, including suicide.
Implications:
- Provides crucial data for forensic toxicologists interpreting levetiracetam levels in postmortem investigations.
- Highlights the need to consider levetiracetam toxicity and its potential role in drug-related deaths.
- Informs clinical practice regarding levetiracetam's adverse effects and overdose potential.
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