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Belmore L, Ahn T, Nguyen E, Lenz T. Acute Non-ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Following Intravenous Injection of Sublingual Suboxone. PREHOSP EMERG CARE 2024:1-3. [PMID: 38975709 DOI: 10.1080/10903127.2024.2374999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) is a relatively unknown complication of injecting sublingual Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone). Buprenorphine/naloxone should be taken as a sublingual tablet or a buccal film and not injected, so its effects from this mode of administration are not well known. While the differential diagnosis for chest pain is very broad, many practitioners do not associate chest pain with the use of buprenorphine/naloxone. We recommend considering serial electrocardiograms (ECGs) and high-sensitivity troponins for a patient who presents with chest pain after buprenorphine/naloxone use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Belmore
- Touro University Osteopathic Medical School, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Timothy Ahn
- Touro University Osteopathic Medical School, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Eric Nguyen
- Touro University Osteopathic Medical School, Las Vegas, Nevada
| | - Timothy Lenz
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Rubel SK, Eisenstat M, Wolff J, Calevski M, Mital S. Scope of, Motivations for, and Outcomes Associated with Buprenorphine Diversion in the United States: A Scoping Review. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:685-697. [PMID: 36803159 PMCID: PMC10961708 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2177972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expanding access to medications to treat opioid use disorder (OUD), such as buprenorphine, is an evidence-based response to the mounting drug overdose crisis. However, concerns about buprenorphine diversion persist and contribute to limited access. METHODS To inform decisions about expanding access, a scoping review was conducted on publications describing the scope of, motivations for, and outcomes associated with diverted buprenorphine in the U.S. RESULTS In the 57 included studies, definitions for diversion were inconsistent. Most studied use of illicitly-obtained buprenorphine. Across studies, the scope of buprenorphine diversion ranged from 0% to 100%, varying by sample type and recall period. Among samples of people receiving buprenorphine for OUD treatment, diversion peaked at 4.8%. Motivations for using diverted buprenorphine were self-treatment, management of drug use, to get high, and when drug of choice was unavailable. Associated outcomes examined trended toward positive or neutral, including improved attitudes toward and retention in MOUD. CONCLUSIONS Despite inconsistent definitions of diversion, studies reported a low scope of diversion among people receiving MOUD, with inability to access treatment as a motivating factor for using diverted buprenorphine, and increased retention in MOUD as an outcome associated with use of diverted buprenorphine. Future research should explore reasons for diverted buprenorphine use in the context of expanded treatment availability to address persistent barriers to evidence-based treatment for OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie K Rubel
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Overdose Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Matthew Eisenstat
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Overdose Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jessica Wolff
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Overdose Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael Calevski
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Overdose Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sasha Mital
- National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Overdose Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Letter in Reply. J Addict Med 2023; 17:119-120. [PMID: 35916427 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Stein MD, VanNoppen D, Herman DS, Anderson BJ, Conti M, Bailey GL. Retention in care for persons with opioid use disorder transitioning from sublingual to injectable buprenorphine. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 136:108661. [PMID: 34801283 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the current overdose epidemic, effective treatments for opioid use disorders (OUD), including innovations in medication delivery such as extended-release formulations, have the potential to improve treatment access and reduce treatment discontinuation. This study assessed treatment retention in a primary care-based, extended-release buprenorphine program. METHODS The study recruited individuals (n = 92) who transitioned from sublingual buprenorphine to extended-release buprenorphine (BUP-XR) in 2018-2019. The study defined the primary outcome, treatment retention, as three or more consecutive, monthly BUP-XR injections following the transition to BUP-XR in this retrospective chart review. RESULTS Participants' mean age was 38 years old and 67% were male. The average duration of sublingual buprenorphine prior to transition was 17.1 (±28.1) months. Three months after transition, 48% of extended-release buprenorphine patients had discontinued BUP-XR treatment. Persons with chronic pain were more likely, and those who had used heroin in the past month less likely to continue BUP-XR. Mean months on sublingual buprenorphine prior to BUP-XR initiation was 24.3 (±32.5) months for people who received 3+ post-induction injections compared to only 8.9 (±19.5) months for those who did not (p = .009). CONCLUSIONS Extended-release buprenorphine discontinuation was high in a real-world setting. Retention continues to represent a major obstacle to treatment effectiveness, and programs need interventions with even newer MOUD formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Stein
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, United States of America; Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, United States of America.
| | - Donnell VanNoppen
- Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, United States of America
| | - Debra S Herman
- Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, United States of America; Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States of America
| | - Bradley J Anderson
- Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, United States of America
| | - Micah Conti
- Behavioral Medicine and Addictions Research, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, United States of America
| | - Genie L Bailey
- Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States of America; Stanley Street Treatment and Resources, Fall River, MA, 02720, United States of America
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Green JL, Dailey-Govoni T, Butler SF. Real-World Data on Nonmedical Use of Tramadol from Patients Evaluated for Substance Abuse Treatment in the NAVIPPRO Addiction Severity Index-Multimedia Version (ASI-MV ®) Network. Drug Saf 2020; 44:235-244. [PMID: 33175336 PMCID: PMC7847458 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-020-01012-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Drug safety studies regarding comparative risk of different opioid compounds are important as providers and regulatory agencies in the United States continue to balance pain management with an ongoing opioid epidemic. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate nonmedical use (NMU) and diversion of tramadol and comparator opioids using real-world data from the Addiction Severity Index-Multimedia Version (ASI-MV®). METHODS A cross-sectional study design was used to evaluate past 30-day tramadol and comparator opioid NMU among adults assessed for substance abuse treatment using the ASI-MV from 2010 to 2018. Population and drug utilization-adjusted rates were studied, as well as patient characteristics, route of administration, and diversion. RESULTS Past 30-day NMU of one or more prescription opioid was reported in 125,048 (22.6%) of ASI-MV assessments (2010-2018); 46.5% reported oxycodone, 43.2% hydrocodone, 8.1% morphine, and 7.2% tramadol. Male respondents ranged from 43.2% in the tramadol group to 51.8% in the oxycodone group. Majority (~ 76%) were Caucasian in all groups, with 86.9% Caucasian in the morphine group. Prevalence of past 30-day tramadol NMU was significantly lower than that of morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone for both population and utilization-adjusted rates. Rate of snorting of tramadol was 4-7 times lower than comparator opioids and injection was 14-34 times lower than morphine and oxycodone. Tramadol was most likely to be obtained via the patient's own prescription while the comparator opioids were more often obtained via dealers or family/friends. CONCLUSION Tramadol had a significantly lower rate of NMU than comparator opioids and was less likely to be diverted or used via higher-risk non-oral routes. These findings support previous evaluations by WHO and the United States Drug Enforcement Agency that concluded that tramadol has a low potential for abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jody L Green
- Inflexxion, A Division of Integrated Behavioral Health, Irvine, CA, USA.
| | | | - Stephen F Butler
- Inflexxion, A Division of Integrated Behavioral Health, Irvine, CA, USA
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Abstract
This paper is the forty-first consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2018 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (2), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (3) and humans (4), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (5), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (6), stress and social status (7), learning and memory (8), eating and drinking (9), drug abuse and alcohol (10), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (11), mental illness and mood (12), seizures and neurologic disorders (13), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (14), general activity and locomotion (15), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (16), cardiovascular responses (17), respiration and thermoregulation (18), and immunological responses (19).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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Wei H, Zhang T, Zhan CG, Zheng F. Cebranopadol reduces cocaine self-administration in male rats: Dose, treatment and safety consideration. Neuropharmacology 2020; 172:108128. [PMID: 32389751 PMCID: PMC9334146 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As a novel first-in-class potent analgesic acting as an agonist of multiple opioid receptors, cebranopadol showed high efficacy and good tolerability in a broad range of preclinical models and clinical trials related to pain. In the present study, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cebranopadol as a potential treatment of cocaine dependence, we tested the effects of cebranopadol with single and repeated doses (25, 50, 75, or 100 μg/kg, oral gavage) using rat models of cocaine fixed-ratio (FR) self-administration (SA), cocaine progressive-ratio (PR) SA, and sucrose pellet SA. In single-dosing treatment paradigm, cebranopadol significantly and dose-dependently reduced cocaine SA under FR and PR schedules and suppressed food intake under FR schedule without causing apparent side effects. In repeated-dosing treatment scheme, i.e. daily administration of 25, 50, 75, or 100 μg/kg cebranopadol for a week, the similar reduction in cocaine intake was detected, while non-negligible complications/side effects were observed at repeated high doses (75 and 100 μg/kg). The observed side effects were similar to the common toxic signs elicited by heroin at high doses, although cebranopadol did not fully substitute heroin's discriminative stimulant effects in our drug discriminative tests. These results demonstrated that the most appropriate oral dose of cebranopadol to balance the efficacy and safety is 50 μg/kg. Collectively, although cebranopadol may serve as a new treatment for cocaine dependence, more consideration, cautiousness, and a clear optimal dose window to dissociate its therapeutic effects from opioid side effects/complications in male and female subjects will be necessary to increase its practical clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimei Wei
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Ting Zhang
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Chang-Guo Zhan
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
| | - Fang Zheng
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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Butler SF, Oyedele NK, Dailey Govoni T, Green JL. How Motivations for Using Buprenorphine Products Differ From Using Opioid Analgesics: Evidence from an Observational Study of Internet Discussions Among Recreational Users. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2020; 6:e16038. [PMID: 32209533 PMCID: PMC7142742 DOI: 10.2196/16038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid use disorder (OUD) poses medical and societal concerns. Although most individuals with OUD in the United States are not in drug abuse treatment, buprenorphine is considered a safe and effective OUD treatment, which reduces illicit opioid use, mortality, and other drug-related harms. However, as buprenorphine prescriptions increase, so does evidence of misused, abused, or diverted buprenorphine. Users' motivations for extratreatment use of buprenorphine (ie, misuse or abuse of one's own prescription or use of diverted medication) may be different from the motivations involved in analgesic opioid products. Previous research is based on small sample sizes and use surveys, and none directly compare the motivations for using buprenorphine products (ie, tablet or film) with other opioid products having known abuse potential. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to describe and compare the motivation-to-use buprenorphine products, including buprenorphine/naloxone (BNX) sublingual film and oxycodone extended-release (ER), as discussed in online forums. METHODS Web-based posts from 2012 to 2016 were collected from online forums using the Web Informed Services internet monitoring archive. A random sample of posts was coded for motivation to use. These posts were coded into the following motivation categories: (1) use to avoid withdrawal, (2) pain relief, (3) tapering from other drugs, (4) opioid addiction treatment, (5) recreational use (ie, to get high), and (6) other use. Oxycodone ER, an opioid analgesic with known abuse potential, was selected as a comparator. RESULTS Among all posts, 0.81% (30,576/3,788,922) discussed motivation to use one of the target products. The examination of query-selected posts revealed significantly greater discussion of buprenorphine products than oxycodone ER (P<.001). The posts mentioning buprenorphine products were more likely than oxycodone ER to discuss treatment for OUD, tapering down use, and/or withdrawal management (P<.001). Buprenorphine-related posts discussed recreational use (375/1020, 36.76%), although much less often than in oxycodone ER posts (425/508, 83.7%). Despite some differences, the overall pattern of motivation to use was similar for BNX sublingual film and other buprenorphine products. CONCLUSIONS An analysis of spontaneous, Web-based discussion among recreational substance users who post on online drug forums supports the contention that motivation-to-use patterns associated with buprenorphine products are different from those reported for oxycodone ER. Although the findings presented here are not expected to reflect the actual use of the target products, they may represent the interests and motivations of those posting on the online forums. Buprenorphine-related posts were more likely to discuss treatment for OUD, tapering, and withdrawal management than oxycodone ER. Although the findings are consistent with a purported link between the limited availability of medication-assisted therapies for substance use disorders and use of diverted buprenorphine products for self-treatment, recreational use was a motivation expressed in more than one-third of buprenorphine posts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natasha K Oyedele
- Office of Disease Prevention, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
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Increasing heroin, cocaine, and buprenorphine arrests reported to the Maine Diversion Alert Program. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 303:109924. [PMID: 31450173 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.109924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid overdose crisis is especially pronounced in Maine. The Diversion Alert Program (DAP) was developed to combat illicit drug use and prescription drug diversion by facilitating communication between law enforcement and health care providers with the goal of limiting drug-related harms and criminal behaviors. Our objectives in this report were to analyze 2014-2017 DAP for: (1) trends in drug arrests and, (2) differences in arrests by offense, demographics (sex and age) and by region. METHODS Drug arrests (N=8193, 31.3% female, age=33.1±9.9) reported to the DAP were examined by year, demographics, and location. RESULTS The most common substances of the 10,064 unique charges reported were heroin (N=2203, 21.9%), crack/cocaine (N=945, 16.8%), buprenorphine (N=812, 8.1%), and oxycodone (N=747, 7.4%). While the overall number of arrests reported to the DAP declined in 2017, the proportion of arrests involving opioids (heroin, buprenorphine, or fentanyl) and stimulants (cocaine/crack cocaine, or methamphetamine), increased (p<.05). Women had significantly increased involvement in arrests involving sedatives and miscellaneous pharmaceuticals (e.g. gabapentin) while men had an elevation in stimulant arrests. Heroin accounted for a lower percentage of arrests among individuals age >60 (6.6%) relative to young-adults (18-29, 22.3%, p<.0001). Older-adults had significantly more arrests than younger-adults for oxycodone, hydrocodone, and marijuana. CONCLUSION Heroin had the most arrests from 2014 to 2017. Buprenorphine, fentanyl and crack/cocaine arrests increased appreciably suggesting that improved treatment is needed to prevent further nonmedical use and overdoses. The Diversion Alert Program provided a unique data source for research, a harm-reduction tool for health care providers, and an informational resource for law enforcement.
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Hoyt BS, Aaron DM, Yan S, Linos KD. Cutaneous Crospovidone: A Newly Described Foreign Body Due to Illicit Drug Abuse. Am J Dermatopathol 2019; 41:e84-e86. [PMID: 31335429 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000001374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Crospovidone, a polymer of poly N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, is an inert insoluble disintegrant found in pharmaceutical tablets. This material has been encountered in the lungs of intravenous drug users and embolized with other components such as talc and microcrystalline cellulose. More recently, crospovidone has also been described in the gastrointestinal tract. We present 2 cases of cutaneous crospovidone deposition resulting from subcutaneous injection of crushed tablets, commonly known as "skin popping." Clinical presentation includes painful, inflamed papules, nodules, or ulcers with overlying eschar. Crospovidone has a distinct and reproducible histochemical staining profile. Histologic recognition of this material is important because it can guide clinicians in their diagnosis and management decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian S Hoyt
- Department of Surgery, Section of Dermatology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
- Division of Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Denise M Aaron
- Department of Surgery, Section of Dermatology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Shaofeng Yan
- Division of Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
| | - Konstantinos D Linos
- Division of Dermatopathology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH
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Keltanen TN, Heikman PK, Muhonen LH, Gunnar TO, Ojanperä IA. Enzymatic assay for urine lactose in the assessment of recent intravenous abuse of buprenorphine. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:1412-1418. [DOI: 10.1002/dta.2654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Terhi N. Keltanen
- Forensic Toxicology UnitNational Institute for Health and Welfare Helsinki Finland
- Department of Forensic MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
| | - Pertti K. Heikman
- PsychiatryUniversity of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
- PsychiatryHelsinki University Central Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - Leea H. Muhonen
- PsychiatryHelsinki University Central Hospital Helsinki Finland
| | - Teemu O. Gunnar
- Forensic Toxicology UnitNational Institute for Health and Welfare Helsinki Finland
| | - Ilkka A. Ojanperä
- Forensic Toxicology UnitNational Institute for Health and Welfare Helsinki Finland
- Department of Forensic MedicineUniversity of Helsinki Helsinki Finland
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