کد مقاله کد نشریه سال انتشار مقاله انگلیسی نسخه تمام متن
1070728 949368 2009 8 صفحه PDF دانلود رایگان
عنوان انگلیسی مقاله ISI
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-related fatalities in Australia: Demographics, circumstances, toxicology and major organ pathology
موضوعات مرتبط
علوم زیستی و بیوفناوری علم عصب شناسی علوم اعصاب رفتاری
پیش نمایش صفحه اول مقاله
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-related fatalities in Australia: Demographics, circumstances, toxicology and major organ pathology
چکیده انگلیسی

AimTo examine the demographic characteristics, circumstances, toxicology and major organ pathology of MDMA-related deaths in Australia.MethodsRetrospective review of cases in which MDMA was a cause of death, as identified from the National Coronial Information System.Results82 cases over a 5-year period were identified. The majority of decedents were male (83%), with a median age of 26 years. Deaths were predominantly due to drug toxicity (82%), with MDMA the sole drug causing death in 23% of cases, and combined drug toxicity in 59% of cases. The remaining deaths (18%) were primarily due to pathological events/disease or injury, with MDMA a significant contributing condition. Cardiovascular pathology, typically atherosclerosis, was detected in 58% of decedents, with moderate–severe atherosclerosis in 23% of cases. The prevalence of such pathology is higher than that expected among similarly aged members of the general population. Cerebrovascular pathology, primarily cerebral haemorrhage and hypoxic damage, was present in 12% of cases.ConclusionsMDMA has contributed to a clinically significant number of deaths in Australia. The prevalence of cardiovascular pathology was similar to that among methamphetamine and cocaine fatalities. Whilst cardiovascular pathology may reflect the use of other stimulants, the cardiotoxic properties of MDMA have been well-documented. Future studies examining MDMA-related morbidity and mortality in the context of other risk factors are recommended. Overall, the current study highlights the need to educate users about the potential harms of MDMA use, particularly that in conjunction with other stimulants, opioids and alcohol, which are known to increase overall toxicity.

ناشر
Database: Elsevier - ScienceDirect (ساینس دایرکت)
Journal: Drug and Alcohol Dependence - Volume 104, Issue 3, 1 October 2009, Pages 254–261
نویسندگان
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