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Site-, Technique-, and Time-Related Aspects of the Postmortem Redistribution of Diazepam, Methadone, Morphine, and their Metabolites: Interest of Popliteal Vein Blood Sampling.

Authors :
Lemaire E
Schmidt C
Dubois N
Denooz R
Charlier C
Boxho P
Source :
Journal of forensic sciences [J Forensic Sci] 2017 Nov; Vol. 62 (6), pp. 1559-1574. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 Jan 20.
Publication Year :
2017

Abstract

Sampling site, technique, and time influence postmortem drug concentrations. In 57 cases, we studied drug concentration differences as follows: subclavian vein-dissection/clamping versus blind stick, femoral vein-dissection/clamping versus blind stick, right cardiac chamber, and popliteal vein-dissection and clamping only. Cases were distributed in group #1 (all cases with both techniques), group #2 (dissection/clamping), and group #3 (blind stick). Sampled drugs were diazepam, methadone, morphine, and their metabolites. To assess PMR, mean concentrations and ratios were calculated for each group. Time-dependent variations of blood concentrations and ratios were also assessed. Results indicate that site, method, and time may influence postmortem distribution interpretation in different ways. Popliteal blood seems less subject to PMR. In conclusion, our study is the first to evaluate concurrently three main aspects of PMR and confirms that the popliteal vein may represent a site that is more resistant to the changes seen as a result of PMR.<br /> (© 2017 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1556-4029
Volume :
62
Issue :
6
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Journal of forensic sciences
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
28105644
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.13404