title: Acetyl fentanyl overdose fatalities--Rhode Island, March-May 2013.
abstract: In May 2013, the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories noticed an unusual pattern of toxicology results among 10 overdose deaths of suspected illicit drug users that had occurred during March 7-April 11, 2013. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for fentanyl in blood was positive for fentanyl in all 10 cases, but confirmatory gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) did not detect fentanyl. The mass spectrum was instead consistent with acetyl fentanyl, a fentanyl analog. Acetyl fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has not been documented in illicit drug use or overdose deaths, and is not available as a prescription drug anywhere. Animal studies suggest that acetyl fentanyl is up to five times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000401:mortality*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005283:Fentanyl / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000097:blood / Q000506:poisoning*; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006801:Humans; D013287:Illicit Drugs / Q000097:blood / Q000506:poisoning*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012237:Rhode Island / Q000453:epidemiology; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000379:methods*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D013287:Illicit Drugs; D005283:Fentanyl