Paroxetine in Postmortem Fluids and Tissues from Nine Aviation Accident Victims

Area of Science:

• Forensic Toxicology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor widely used for mental health conditions.
• Potential side effects and impact on pilot performance necessitate careful consideration.
• Accurate postmortem toxicological evaluation requires understanding drug distribution in tissues and fluids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the postmortem distribution of paroxetine in various tissues and fluids.
• To provide data for interpreting paroxetine concentrations in aviation accident fatalities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of postmortem specimens from nine aviation accident fatalities.
• Liquid/liquid extraction using n-butyl chloride.
• Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for paroxetine quantification.

Main Results:

• Blood paroxetine concentrations ranged from 0.019 to 0.865 µg/mL.
• Significant variations in paroxetine distribution were observed across different tissues (e.g., liver, lung, brain).
• High standard deviations in distribution coefficients indicate substantial postmortem concentration changes.

Conclusions:

• Paroxetine distribution in postmortem specimens is variable.
• These findings are vital for accurate toxicological interpretation in aviation fatalities involving paroxetine use.
• Further research may be needed to fully elucidate postmortem drug dynamics.