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A fatal poisoning involving 25C-NBOMe
Mette Findal Andreasen1, Rasmus Telving1, Ingrid Rosendal1
1Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark.
Forensic Science International
|April 6, 2015
Summary
This study details a fatal overdose case of 25C-NBOMe, a potent hallucinogen. Toxicological analysis confirmed 25C-NBOMe and its metabolite in biological samples, leading to the cause of death determination.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- The emergence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) like 25C-NBOMe presents significant challenges in clinical and forensic toxicology.
- Understanding the toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of these compounds is crucial for accurate post-mortem investigations.
Observation:
- A young male presented with symptoms of serotonin toxicity following recreational 25C-NBOMe use and subsequently died.
- Medico-legal autopsy and ante-mortem blood samples were analyzed for 25C-NBOMe and its metabolites.
Findings:
- Ultra-performance liquid chromatography with high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-HRTOF-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) were employed for identification and quantification.
- 25C-NBOMe and a demethylated, glucuronidated metabolite were identified in blood, urine, vitreous humor, liver, and gastric contents.
- Quantification revealed significant levels of 25C-NBOMe in ante-mortem and post-mortem samples, with the cause of death attributed to 25C-NBOMe and amphetamine intoxication.
Implications:
- This case highlights the lethal potential of 25C-NBOMe and the importance of comprehensive toxicological screening in suspected NPS fatalities.
- The reported quantification of 25C-NBOMe in biological specimens from a fatal case provides valuable data for forensic science.
- Accurate analytical methods are essential for identifying and quantifying emerging synthetic drugs in clinical and forensic settings.