Forensic science international
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Autopsies can give valuable information about the cause of death, and represent an important tool for obtaining valid cause of death statistics. In particular, they may shed light on the circumstances of death in ambiguous and criminal cases. To address the need for information on current autopsy practices, forensic autopsy rates in two counties in Central Norway over the period 2007-2009 were assessed. ⋯ Mean BAC in alcohol positive forensic autopsy cases was 1.7‰ (median 1.6‰, range 0.29-4.1‰). The average number of substances detected in toxicology positive cases was 2.6 (median 2, range 1-10). The by far most frequently detected classes of substances were (1) benzodiazepines, (2) opioids and (3) alcohol.
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In vitro experiment using the modified Franz-type diffusion cell has demonstrated that the human skin is permeable to aconitine and mesaconitine. To characterise the risk of systemic toxicity following the topical applications of aconite tincture and raw aconite roots, relevant reports of percutaneous absorption of Aconitum alkaloids and aconite poisoning are reviewed. ⋯ The risk of systemic toxicity is even higher if Aconitum alkaloids are held in occlusive contact with the skin and the epidermis (stratum corneum) is already damaged. The public should be warned of the danger in using these topical aconite preparations and the risk of systemic toxicity following percutaneous absorption of Aconitum alkaloids.
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To analyze toxicological findings of accidental deaths involving oxycodone to determine demographic characteristics and clinical histories. ⋯ Results suggest that the demographic findings mirror statewide and national trends. In general, mean oxycodone concentration levels were shown to be lower than those previously reported in literature. Overlap and range of concentrations between those with a primary/contributory and incidental cause of death demonstrates the significance of individual case history and tolerance in the interpretation of postmortem drug concentrations when determining cause and manner of death.