TY - JOUR
T1 - Methylenedioxypyrovalerone ("Bath Salts"),Related Death
T2 - Case Report and Review of the Literature,
AU - Kesha, Kilak
AU - Boggs, Cassie L.
AU - Ripple, Mary G.
AU - Allan, Carol H.
AU - Levine, Barry
AU - Jufer-Phipps, Rebecca
AU - Doyon, Suzanne
AU - Chi, Paolin
AU - Fowler, David R.
PY - 2013/11
Y1 - 2013/11
N2 - Cathinone derivatives (bath salts) have emerged as the latest drugs of abuse. 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is the primary active ingredient in bath salts used in this country. This article presents the second reported cause of death by MDPV intoxication alone. In April 2011, a delusional man was emergently brought to a hospital, where he self-reported bath salt usage. He became agitated, developed ventricular tachycardia, hyperthermia, and died. Comprehensive alcohol and drug testing was performed. Using the alkaline drug screen, heart blood contained 0.7 mg/L MDPV and peripheral blood contained 1.0 mg/L MDPV. His bizarre behavior with life-threatening hyperthermia was consistent with an MDPV-induced excited delirium state. MDPV is not yet found by routine immunoassay toxicology screens. Testing for MDPV should be considered in cases with a history of polysubstance abuse with stimulant type drugs, report of acute onset of psychogenic symptoms, excited delirium syndrome, or presentation in a hyperthermic state.
AB - Cathinone derivatives (bath salts) have emerged as the latest drugs of abuse. 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is the primary active ingredient in bath salts used in this country. This article presents the second reported cause of death by MDPV intoxication alone. In April 2011, a delusional man was emergently brought to a hospital, where he self-reported bath salt usage. He became agitated, developed ventricular tachycardia, hyperthermia, and died. Comprehensive alcohol and drug testing was performed. Using the alkaline drug screen, heart blood contained 0.7 mg/L MDPV and peripheral blood contained 1.0 mg/L MDPV. His bizarre behavior with life-threatening hyperthermia was consistent with an MDPV-induced excited delirium state. MDPV is not yet found by routine immunoassay toxicology screens. Testing for MDPV should be considered in cases with a history of polysubstance abuse with stimulant type drugs, report of acute onset of psychogenic symptoms, excited delirium syndrome, or presentation in a hyperthermic state.
KW - Bath salts
KW - Designer drugs
KW - Forensic science
KW - Hyperthermia
KW - Methylenedioxypyrovalerone
KW - Recreational drugs
KW - Synthetic cathinones
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U2 - 10.1111/1556-4029.12202
DO - 10.1111/1556-4029.12202
M3 - Article
C2 - 23822613
AN - SCOPUS:84886746642
SN - 0022-1198
VL - 58
SP - 1654
EP - 1659
JO - Journal of Forensic Sciences
JF - Journal of Forensic Sciences
IS - 6
ER -