[Fatal intoxications among drug addicts in Denmark in 1997].
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to investigate fatal poisonings among drug addicts in 1997 and to compare the results to similar investigations from 1985 and 1991.


METHODS
All fatal intoxications among drug addicts in Denmark in 1997, investigated at the three Institutes of Forensic Medicine in Denmark.


RESULTS
The number of fatal intoxications increased by 32% from 1991 to 1997, mainly outside the metropolitan area, The average age increased from 32 to 36 years. The proportion of heroin/morphine intoxications increased from 57% to 71%. The most commonly used drugs were as in 1991 heroin/morphine, diazepam and methadone. The frequency of cocaine increased from one positive case in 1991 to 14% positive cases in 1997.


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed an increasing number of fatal intoxications and changes in drug abuse pattern and place of death since 1991.
Steentoft
A
A
Københavns Universitet, Retsmedicinsk Institut.
Simonsen
K W
KW
Kringsholm
B
B
Dragsholt
C
C
Worm
K
K
Hansen
A C
AC
Müller
I B
IB
Toft
J
J
Kaa
E
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000701:Analgesics, Opioid / Q000506:poisoning; D002423:Cause of Death; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D062787:Drug Overdose; D005260:Female; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003932:Heroin / Q000506:poisoning; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000506:poisoning; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000506:poisoning; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000401:mortality*
D000701:Analgesics, Opioid; D003932:Heroin; D009020:Morphine; D008691:Methadone