title: Interpretation of drug concentrations in an alternative matrix: the case of meprobamate in vitreous humor.
abstract: The use of vitreous humor (VH) as an alternative matrix to blood in the field of forensic toxicology has been described for numerous drugs. Interpretation of drug concentrations measured in VH, as in other matrices, requires statistical analysis of a data set obtained on a significant series. In the present study, two diagnostic tests interpreting postmortem VH concentrations of meprobamate in 117 sets of autopsy data are reported. (1) A VH meprobamate concentration threshold of 28 mg/l was statistically equivalent to that of blood meprobamate concentration threshold of 50 mg/l distinguishing overdose from therapeutic use in blood. The intrinsic qualities of the test were good, with sensitivity of 0.95 and absolute specificity of 1. (2) A novel interpretation tool is proposed, allowing blood concentration range to be evaluated, with a known probability, from VH concentration.
authors.affiliation: Institut de Médecine Légale, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 8 Avenue Rockefeller, 69008, Lyon, France. f.bevalot@latlumtox.com
authors.forename: Fabien
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bévalot
authors.forename: Marie-Paule
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Gustin
authors.forename: Nathalie
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Cartiser
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Le Meur
authors.forename: Daniel
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Malicier
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fanton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D053593:Forensic Toxicology; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000032:analysis* / Q000506:poisoning; D008297:Male; D008620:Meprobamate / Q000032:analysis* / Q000506:poisoning*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014822:Vitreous Body / Q000737:chemistry*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D008620:Meprobamate