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Sharif AF, Sobh ZK, Abdo SAEF, Alahmadi OM, Alharbi HA, Awaji MS, Alabdullatif FA, Baghlaf AM, Alanazi AF, Fayed MM. Evaluation of Global Dystonia Rating Scale as a predictor of unfavorable outcomes among acute antipsychotics poisoned patients. Drug Chem Toxicol 2024; 47:386-403. [PMID: 38348658 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2024.2313561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Worldwide, acute antipsychotic poisoning results in high morbidities and mortalities. Though extrapyramidal syndromes are commonly associated, the extent of extrapyramidal syndromes in relation to the severity of antipsychotic poisoning has not been addressed yet. Thus, this study aimed to assess the Global Dystonia Rating Scale (GDRS) as an unfavorable outcomes predictive tool in acute antipsychotic poisoning. A cross-sectional study included 506 antipsychotic-poisoned patients admitted to Tanta University Poison Control Center, Egypt, over three years was conducted. The mean GDRS was 9.1 ± 16.7 in typical antipsychotic poisoning, which was significantly higher than that of atypical antipsychotics (4.2 ± 11.5) (p = 0.003). Patients with GDRS> 20 showed significantly higher liability for all adverse outcomes (p < 0.05). However, poisoning with typical antipsychotics was associated with significantly more cardiotoxicity (p = 0.042), particularly prolonged QRS (p = 0.005), and intensive care unit (ICU) admission (p = 0.000). In contrary to the PSS, which failed to predict the studied adverse outcomes, GDRS significantly predicted all adverse outcomes (p < 0.000) for all antipsychotic generations. In atypical antipsychotics, GDRS above three accurately predicted cardiotoxicities, prolonged QTc interval, and respiratory failure with Area under curves (AUC) of 0.937, 0.963, and 0.941, respectively. In typical antipsychotic poisoning, at higher cutoffs (7.5, 27.5, 18, and 7.5), cardiotoxicities, prolonged QTc interval, and respiratory failure were accurately predicted (AUC were 0.974, 0.961, and 0.960, respectively). GDRS is an objective, substantially useful tool that quantifies dystonia and can be used as an early reliable predictor of potential toxicity in acute antipsychotic poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa Fady Sharif
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
- Clinical Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Dar Al-Uloom University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahraa Khalifa Sobh
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sanaa Abd El-Fatah Abdo
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Egypt
| | - Osama M Alahmadi
- College of Medicine, Dar Al-Uloom University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hatem A Alharbi
- College of Medicine, Dar Al-Uloom University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Respiratory Care Practitioner, Pediatric Department, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohannad Saif Awaji
- College of Medicine, Dar Al-Uloom University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Emergency Medicine Department, EMS section, King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz University Hospital, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faris A Alabdullatif
- College of Medicine, Dar Al-Uloom University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Emergency Operation Center, General Directorate of Health Affairs in Riyadh Region, Ministry of Health, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Ahmad F Alanazi
- College of Medicine, Dar Al-Uloom University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manar Maher Fayed
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Ding L, Zhang CM. Occurrence, ecotoxicity and ecological risks of psychoactive substances in surface waters. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 926:171788. [PMID: 38499097 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Psychoactive substances (PSs) represent a subset of emerging contaminants. Their widespread production and utilization contribute to a growing ecological burden and risk on a global scale. Conventional wastewater treatment methods have proven insufficient in adequately removing psychoactive substances, leading to their occurrence in surface water ecosystems worldwide. As of present, however, a thorough understanding of their geographical prevalence and distribution patterns remains elusive. Further, in the existing literature, there is a scarcity of comprehensive overviews that systematically summarize the toxicity of various psychoactive substances towards aquatic organisms. Through summarizing almost 140 articles, the present study provides an overview of the sources, pollution status, and biotoxicity of psychoactive substances in surface waters, as well as an assessment of their ecological risks. Concentrations of several psychoactive substances in surface waters were found to be as high as hundreds or even thousands of ng·L-1. In parallel, accumulation of psychoactive substances in the tissues or organs of aquatic organisms was found to potentially cause certain adverse effects, including behavioral disorders, organ damage, and DNA changes. Oxidative stress was found to be a significant factor in the toxic effects of psychoactive substances on organisms. The application of the risk quotient approach indicated that psychoactive substances posed a medium to high risk in certain surface water bodies, as well as the need for sustained long-term attention and management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Ding
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China
| | - Chong-Miao Zhang
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Key Laboratory of Northwest Water Resource, Environment and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China; Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China; International Science and Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China.
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de Souza Schwarz P, Dos Santos BP, Birk L, Eller S, de Oliveira TF. Development of an innovative analytical method for forensic detection of cocaine, antidepressants, and metabolites in postmortem blood using magnetic nanoparticles. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:3239-3250. [PMID: 38573343 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-024-05273-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Cocaine and antidepressants rank high globally in substance consumption, emphasizing their impact on public health. The determination of these compounds and related substances in biological samples is crucial for forensic toxicology. This study focused on developing an innovative analytical method for the determination of cocaine, antidepressants, and their related metabolites in postmortem blood samples, using unmodified commercial Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a sorbent for dispersive magnetic solid-phase extraction (m-d-SPE), coupled with liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. An aliquot of 100 µL of whole blood and 5 µL of the internal standard pool were added to 30 mg of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were separated from the sample using a neodymium magnet inserted into a 3D-printed microtube rack. The liquid was then discarded, followed by desorption with 300 µL of 1/1/1 acetonitrile/methanol/ethyl acetate. The sample was vortexed and separated, and 1.5 µL of the organic supernatant was injected into the LC-MS/MS. The method was acceptably validated and successfully applied to 263 postmortem blood samples. All samples evaluated in this study were positive for at least one substance. The most frequent analyte was benzoylecgonine, followed by cocaine and cocaethylene. The most common antidepressants encountered in the analyzed samples were citalopram and fluoxetine, followed by fluoxetine's metabolite norfluoxetine. This study describes the first report of this sorbent in postmortem blood analysis, demonstrating satisfactory results for linearity, precision, accuracy, and selectivity for all compounds. The method's applicability was confirmed, establishing it as an efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional techniques for forensic casework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia de Souza Schwarz
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil.
| | - Bruno Pereira Dos Santos
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Letícia Birk
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Sarah Eller
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Tiago Franco de Oliveira
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, 90050-170, Brazil
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Hansen CJ, Svane J, Palsøe MK, Isbister JC, Paratz E, Molina P, Morentin B, Winkel BG, La Gerche A, Linnet K, Banner J, Lucena J, Semsarian C, Tfelt-Hansen J. Toxicology Screening in Sports-Related Sudden Cardiac Death: A Multinational Observational Study. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023:S2405-500X(23)00833-2. [PMID: 38127009 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of toxicological findings among sports-related sudden cardiac death (SrSCD) is scarce. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe postmortem toxicology findings in a multinational cohort of young SrSCD. METHODS Patients with sudden cardiac death (SCD) aged 12 to 49 years with a complete post mortem were included from Denmark, Spain, and Australia. Postmortem findings were compared between SrSCD and non-SrSCD, and toxicology findings in SrSCD were assessed. RESULTS We included 3,189 SCD, of which 219 (7%) were sports-related. SrSCD patients were younger (36 years vs 41 years; P < 0.001) and of male predominance (96% vs 75%; P < 0.001), and their death was more often caused by structural cardiac disease (68% vs 61%; P = 0.038). Positive toxicology screenings were significantly less likely among SrSCD than non-SrSCD (12% vs 43%; P < 0.001), corresponding to 82% lower odds of a positive toxicology screening in SrSCD. Patient characteristics were similar between SrSCDs with positive and negative toxicology screenings, but deaths were more often unexplained (59% vs 34%). Nonopioid analgesics were the most common finding (3%), and SCD-associated drugs were detected in 6% of SrSCD. SUD was more prevalent among the SrSCD with positive toxicology (59% vs 34%). CONCLUSIONS Sports-related SCD mainly occurred in younger men with structural heart disease. They had a significantly lower prevalence of a positive toxicology screening compared with non-SrSCD, and detection of SCD-associated drugs was rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl J Hansen
- The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Jesper Svane
- The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie K Palsøe
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Julia C Isbister
- Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Pilar Molina
- Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Valencia, Spain
| | - Benito Morentin
- Basque Institute of Legal Medicine, Bilbao, Spain; Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Bo G Winkel
- The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Kristian Linnet
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jytte Banner
- Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Joaquin Lucena
- Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, Seville, Spain
| | - Christopher Semsarian
- Agnes Ginges Centre for Molecular Cardiology, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jacob Tfelt-Hansen
- The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital-Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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de Groot ADE, Borra LCP, van der Hulst R, Etsouli O, Kloos DP, Rijken DJ, Elsinga PH, Boersma HH, Bosman IJ, Touw DJ. Postmortem redistribution of amphetamines and benzodiazepines in humans: Important variables that might be influencing the central blood / peripheral blood ratio. Forensic Sci Int 2023; 353:111876. [PMID: 37931468 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2023.111876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The primary objective of postmortem forensic toxicology is to determine if toxicological substances detected in bodily material of victims have contributed to the death of the victim. Interpretation of postmortem drug concentrations is hindered by the fact that time and site dependent variations in postmortem drug concentrations occur, as a result of postmortem redistribution (PMR). An often-used marker for the occurrence of PMR, is the cardiac blood concentration/peripheral blood concentration ratio (C/P ratio) of a drug. In this study, we investigated the relationship between 13 variables and the C/P ratios of amphetamines and benzodiazepines. METHOD Toxicological results of all postmortem cases that were positive for amphetamines (amphetamine, MDMA, MDA) and/or benzodiazepines (diazepam, desmethyldiazepam, temazepam, oxazepam, midazolam, α-hydroxymidazolam) investigated by the Netherlands Forensic Institute between January 1 2010 and July 31 2020 were reviewed. A total of 112 amphetamine positive cases (224 paired specimen) and 179 benzodiazepine positive cases (358 paired specimen) were selected. The C/P ratios were determined for all selected cases. Ratios were compared between subgroups by performing either a Mann-Whitney U test or a Kruskal-Wallis test followed by post-hoc Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS After dividing cases in quartiles based on their amphetamine concentration in femoral blood, the amphetamine C/P ratio was significantly lower in cases with a high amphetamine concentration (quartile 4) compared to cases with a low amphetamine concentration (quartiles 1 and 2) with median C/P ratios of 1.6, 2.4 and 2.2, respectively (p-value<0.001 and p-value=0.001, respectively). The MDA C/P ratio was significantly higher in cases where trauma was the cause of death compared to cases where intoxication was the cause of death with median C/P ratios of 3.3 and 1.6, respectively (p-value<0.001). The MDA C/P ratio was also significantly lower in cases where resuscitation was attempted compared to cases where no resuscitation was attempted with median C/P ratios of 1.6 and 2.4, respectively (p-value=0.003). However, a significant dependency between the variables cause of death and attempted resuscitation was observed. No significant differences in benzodiazepine C/P ratios were observed between subgroups of any of the investigated variables. However, the low p-value of BMI suggests a potential difference in midazolam C/P ratio between BMI subgroups (p-value=0.027). CONCLUSION When interpreting postmortem toxicological results, it might prove useful to take the above-mentioned variables into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alida Daniëlle Elisabeth de Groot
- University of Groningen, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Department of Pharmacy, Nijenborgh 4, 9747AG Groningen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rogier van der Hulst
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497GB The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Oumaima Etsouli
- Franciscus Gasthuis en Vlietland, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Kleiweg 500, 3045 PM Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dick-Paul Kloos
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497GB The Hague, the Netherlands
| | | | - Philip Hein Elsinga
- Uiversity Medical Center Groningen, Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, Hanzeplein 1, 9713GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Hendrikus Hessel Boersma
- University of Groningen, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 973AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713GZ Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Jolanda Bosman
- Netherlands Forensic Institute, Laan van Ypenburg 6, 2497GB The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel Johannes Touw
- University of Groningen, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 973AV Groningen, the Netherlands; University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hanzeplein 1, 9713GZ Groningen, the Netherlands; University of Groningen, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Pharmaceutical Analysis - Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, the Netherlands
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Abdelaal GMM, Hegazy NI, Etewa RL, Elmesallamy GEA. Postmortem redistribution of drugs: a literature review. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023:10.1007/s12024-023-00709-z. [PMID: 37715933 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00709-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Postmortem drug analysis is crucial in identifying the potential cause and manner of death. However, it is threatened by a significant phenomenon called postmortem redistribution (PMR), which refers to the alterations in drug levels occurring after death. This review aims to describe the PMR phenomenon, the mechanisms involved in the PMR of drugs, the various methods used to predict it, and various artifacts of postmortem drug concentrations. Several mechanisms, including passive diffusion from solid organs that act as drug reservoirs to the surrounding tissues, cadaveric changes after death (e.g., cell death, blood coagulation, hypostasis, and movements), and the putrefactive process, can result in artifacts of postmortem drug concentrations. The drug's chemical and pharmacokinetic properties (such as acidic/basic properties, lipophilicity, protein binding, high volume of distribution, and residual metabolic activity) are additional factors. Several markers, including cardiac blood-to-peripheral blood ratio (C/P), liver-to-peripheral blood ratio (L/P), amino acid markers such as methionine, quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) approach, and F factor, have been proposed for interpreting the liability of drugs to PMR. Several artifacts may affect the reliability of postmortem drug analysis. Peripheral blood is preferred for postmortem drug sample collection. Numerous laboratories evaluate the redistribution potential of drugs after death using the C/P concentration ratio. Nevertheless, the L/P concentration ratio is proposed to be a more reliable marker for PMR determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghadeer M M Abdelaal
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Nagah I Hegazy
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Rasha L Etewa
- Pathology Department, College of Medicine, Jouf University, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghada E A Elmesallamy
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Dalsasso LCF, Marchioni C. Post-mortem toxicological analysis of cocaine: main biological samples and analytical methods. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023:10.1007/s12024-023-00678-3. [PMID: 37553490 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00678-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
This scoping review intends to identify the most used analytical methods and biological samples in the post-mortem forensic toxicological analysis of cocaine and its metabolites. A scoping review was performed based on the question "What are the analytical methods and types of biological samples most frequently used to identify and quantify cocaine in post-mortem forensic toxicology?" The studies were selected from five databases and, after exclusions, the data were tabulated, analyzed, and reported. Twenty-one articles published between 2012 and 2022 were filtered from five different databases to be studied. The collected data indicate that the most used biological samples were blood and hair. The most used sample preparation technique was solid phase extraction, while the most mentioned chromatography method was liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry. This review presents and discusses the state of the art regarding methods for the detection sensitivity spectrum, why limits of quantification are so important for these methods, and what are the most suitable biological samples to be utilized in each case. Cocaine and metabolites are important in forensic toxicologic post-mortem analysis. However, there is little concern in the development of miniaturized and automated sample preparation in this field. Besides, there is not enough understanding of post-mortem redistribution, tolerance, drug-drug interactions, and pre-existing medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Camila Marchioni
- Department of Pathology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, St. Delfino Conti S/N, Florianopolis, SC, 88040-370, Brazil.
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