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Updated: Sep 21, 2025
07:17
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.
Summary
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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