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Cases of fatal intoxication with Ketogan
1Institute of Forensic Chemistry, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Journal - Forensic Science Society
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Ketogan (ketobemidone) was the sole cause of death in 27 cases, and contributed to fatalities with alcohol or other drugs in 49 cases. Fatal Ketogan intoxication shows significant differences in blood concentrations compared to living individuals.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Toxicology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ketogan (ketobemidone) is an opioid analgesic.
- Fatal intoxications involving Ketogan have been documented.
- Understanding the role of Ketogan in fatal outcomes is crucial for public health and forensic analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the causes of death in Ketogan-related fatalities.
- To investigate the contributing factors, such as alcohol and other drugs.
- To compare blood ketobemidone concentrations in fatal cases versus living individuals.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective survey of 76 fatal intoxication cases involving Ketogan in Eastern Denmark (1985-1991).
- Analysis of causes of death: Ketogan alone, Ketogan with alcohol, Ketogan with other drugs.
- Recorded demographic data, drug/alcohol abuse history, and manner of death.
- Comparison of median blood ketobemidone concentrations between fatal and living individuals, and across different co-intoxication scenarios.
Main Results:
- Ketogan was the sole cause of death in 27 cases.
- Ketogan contributed to death in combination with alcohol (23 cases) or other drugs (26 cases).
- Significant differences in median blood ketobemidone levels were observed between cases with and without alcohol, and between fatal and living individuals.
Conclusions:
- Ketogan plays a significant role in fatal intoxications, both independently and in combination with other substances.
- Blood ketobemidone concentrations in fatal cases are notably higher than in living individuals.
- The findings highlight the importance of considering Ketogan in forensic toxicology investigations.
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