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A suicide by thiopentone infusion
1Department of Pathology, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Scotland.
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|December 1, 1990
Abstract:
A suicide by intravenous thiopentone infusion is described. A search of the literature revealed only four cases, but this paucity is possibly due to under-reporting, as these suicides occur amongst medical personnel.
Insights
This study details a suicide case using intravenous thiopentone infusion. Such incidents may be under-reported, particularly among medical professionals.
Area of Science:
- Medical Toxicology
- Forensic Pathology
Background:
- Thiopentone is a barbiturate anesthetic agent.
- Intravenous administration of thiopentone can be lethal.
- Suicide methods involving anesthetic agents are infrequently documented.
Observation:
- This report details a specific case of suicide achieved through intravenous thiopentone infusion.
- A literature review identified only four previously reported cases.
Findings:
- The intravenous administration of thiopentone is a potential, albeit rare, method for suicide.
- The scarcity of reported cases may stem from under-reporting within the medical community.
Implications:
- Healthcare professionals may be at higher risk for certain types of suicide.
- Further research is needed to understand the prevalence and contributing factors to anesthetic-related suicides.