Causes and manners of death among users of heroin, methadone, amphetamine, and cannabis in relation to postmortem chemical tests for illegal drugs.
A 12-year medicolegal investigation of deceased illegal drug users (ILDU) in Stockholm, Sweden, classified on the basis of postmortem chemical tests, showed noticeable variations in causes and manners of death as well as in the distribution of suicide methods. This study offers objective information about connection between the postmortem findings of illegal drugs and the causes and manners of death of their users. However, further studies, comparing prevalence of drug use in general population and at the postmortem tests, are needed for more detailed elucidation of this connection.
Eksborg
Staffan
S
Karolinska Pharmacy, Karolinska University Hospital and Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Woman and Child Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. staffan.eksborg@karolinska.se
Rajs
Jovan
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000661:Amphetamine / Q000032:analysis*; D019969:Amphetamine-Related Disorders; D002423:Cause of Death; D003933:Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D003932:Heroin / Q000032:analysis*; D006556:Heroin Dependence; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse; D008691:Methadone / Q000032:analysis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013405:Suicide; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology
D003932:Heroin; D000661:Amphetamine; D008691:Methadone