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Updated: Sep 21, 2025

MEDUSA for Identifying Death Regulatory Genes in Chemo-genetic Profiling Data
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MEDUSA for Identifying Death Regulatory Genes in Chemo-genetic Profiling Data

Published on: February 7, 2025

636

Deaths associated with MDMA in the period 2000-2019

Ragnhild E G Jamt1, Hilde M E Edvardsen1, Gerrit Middelkoop1

  • 1Avdeling for rettsmedisinske fag, Oslo universitetssykehus.

Tidsskrift for Den Norske Laegeforening : Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin, Ny Raekke
|May 31, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Increased availability and use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) in Norway correlate with a rise in MDMA-associated fatalities. Higher MDMA concentrations were observed in recent deaths, indicating increased drug potency.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Public Health
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The use of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), commonly known as ecstasy, has seen a notable increase in Norway.
  • Given MDMA's potential toxicity and lethality, this study investigates the relationship between its rising availability and an increase in associated deaths.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if increased MDMA availability and usage correlate with a rise in MDMA-associated fatalities in Norway.
  • To analyze trends in MDMA concentrations in fatal cases and compare them with drug seizure and arrest data.

Main Methods:

  • The study analyzed post-mortem data, including MDMA blood concentrations, from the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry (2000-2019).
  • Data were compared with statistics on arrested drug drivers with detected MDMA and annual seizure data from Kripos.
  • Trends in MDMA concentrations and contributing factors to death were examined.

Main Results:

  • MDMA was detected in 142 fatalities between 2000 and 2019, with 132 having known causes of death.
  • The median MDMA concentration in fatalities significantly increased from 1.9 µmol/L (2000-2004) to 3.8 µmol/L (2015-2019).
  • MDMA and other central nervous system stimulants contributed to death in 36% of cases; arrested drug drivers showed stable median MDMA concentrations.

Conclusions:

  • The findings suggest that MDMA has contributed to a significant number of deaths in Norway.
  • Increased availability, usage, and potency of MDMA appear to be key factors driving the rise in fatalities.

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