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Respirator toxicology

L R Bednarczyk, C V Wetli, J Balkon

Journal of Forensic Sciences

|April 1, 1981

Summary

Delayed death from drowning involved a propoxyphene disparity. Artificial cardiopulmonary support and tissue autolysis complicated postmortem drug concentration interpretation, requiring caution with respiratory therapy interventions.

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Area of Science:

Forensic Toxicology
Postmortem Medicine
Pharmacokinetics

Background:

Investigated a case of delayed death following drowning.
Examined discrepancies in propoxyphene concentrations between antemortem and postmortem samples.

Observation:

Observed a significant disparity in propoxyphene levels.
Noted artificial cardiopulmonary support for 57 hours.
Microscopic examination revealed subsequent tissue autolysis.

Findings:

The observed propoxyphene concentration disparity is attributed to artificial life support and postmortem autolysis.
Tissue autolysis significantly impacted drug distribution and concentration in postmortem specimens.

Implications:

Laboratory findings from postmortem specimens require cautious interpretation.
Respiratory therapy interventions between drug exposure and death can affect toxicological results.
Highlights the importance of considering iatrogenic factors in forensic toxicology.

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