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Related Experiment Videos

Distribution of sertraline in postmortem cases

B Levine1, A J Jenkins, J E Smialek

  • 1Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Maryland, Baltimore 21201.

Journal of Analytical Toxicology
|September 1, 1994
PubMed
Summary

Sertraline, used for depression, was found in postmortem cases but did not cause death. This study details drug and metabolite concentrations in various tissues.

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Area of Science:

  • Forensic Toxicology
  • Clinical Pharmacology
  • Neuroscience

Background:

  • Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) widely prescribed for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  • Postmortem analysis is crucial for understanding drug disposition and potential toxicological contributions to mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze sertraline and its metabolite, desmethylsertraline, concentrations in postmortem specimens.
  • To investigate the distribution of sertraline in different tissues and its relation to cause of death.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of postmortem specimens from seven cases where sertraline was identified.
  • Quantification of sertraline and desmethylsertraline in blood, liver, and urine samples.

Main Results:

  • Sertraline and desmethylsertraline were detected in postmortem specimens, with concentrations varying across tissues.
  • High concentrations of sertraline and desmethylsertraline were observed in the liver relative to blood.
  • Urine concentrations of sertraline and its metabolite were notably low compared to other specimens.

Conclusions:

  • Sertraline and its metabolite can be detected in postmortem samples.
  • The distribution pattern, particularly high liver concentrations, is similar to tricyclic antidepressants.
  • In the investigated cases, sertraline intoxication was not determined to be the cause of death.

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