Postmortem toxicology findings from the Camden Opioid Research Initiative

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Toxicology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The opioid misuse epidemic in the US is exacerbated by potent synthetic opioids (HPSO) and co-occurring substance use.
• Naloxone may be insufficient for HPSO toxicity, especially with polydrug use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize substance use profiles in opioid toxicity deaths.
• To analyze post-mortem toxicology data from South New Jersey.

Main Methods:

• Collected and analyzed post-mortem toxicology data from 42 decedents.
• Examined presence of HPSO, co-occurring substances, and medication-assisted treatment.

Main Results:

• Fentanyl (HPSO) was present in 98% of cases.
• Co-occurring stimulants (100%) and sedatives like xylazine (48%) were common.
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) evidence was scarce (7%).

Conclusions:

• Opioid toxicity deaths involve complex polysubstance use, frequently including stimulants and sedatives.
• Mitigation efforts must address co-occurring substance use and reduce barriers to MAT.