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Two Fatal Intoxications Involving Butyryl Fentanyl.
Justin Poklis1, Alphonse Poklis2, Carl Wolf3
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, PO Box 980613, Richmond, VA 23298-0613, USA.
Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|June 25, 2016
Summary
Two fatal cases highlight the dangers of butyryl fentanyl, a designer drug. Analysis revealed high concentrations in postmortem samples, leading to accidental deaths from single-drug or mixed-drug intoxication.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Designer opioids, such as butyryl fentanyl, pose emerging public health risks.
- Accurate postmortem quantification of novel psychoactive substances is crucial for determining cause of death.
Observation:
- Two cases of fatal intoxication involving butyryl fentanyl are presented.
- Quantitative analysis of butyryl fentanyl and co-occurring substances was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS).
Findings:
- In case one, butyryl fentanyl was the sole detected drug, with significant concentrations found in blood, brain, liver, and other tissues.
- In case two, butyryl fentanyl was detected alongside acetyl fentanyl, alprazolam, and ethanol, contributing to a mixed drug intoxication.
- Toxicology findings confirmed accidental death due to butyryl fentanyl intoxication in the first case and mixed drug intoxication in the second.
Implications:
- This study underscores the lethal potential of butyryl fentanyl and the importance of comprehensive toxicological screening for designer drugs.
- The findings aid forensic toxicologists in identifying and quantifying novel synthetic opioids in postmortem investigations.
- Awareness of butyryl fentanyl's presence and toxicity is essential for public health and harm reduction strategies.