Journal Published Online: 01 July 1997
Volume 42, Issue 4

Fatal Fentanyl Intoxication Following Excessive Transdermal Application

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The case history and toxicological findings of a fatal fentanyl intoxication due to the application of multiple transdermal patches are presented. An 83 year-old white female with terminal cancer was found dead with three 100 mg/h fentanyl patches on her chest. The autopsy and subsequent histological studies revealed extensive areas of gastric carcinoma, a large atrial tumor, ulceration of esophagus, metastasis of peripancreatic lymph nodes and a recent surgical removal of part of the lower lobe of the left lung. Toxicological analysis by GC/MS yielded fentanyl concentrations of blood, 25 ng/mL; brain, 54 ng/g; heart 94 ng/g; kidney 69 ng/g; and liver 104 ng/g. The cause of death was determined to be fentanyl overdose and the manner of death was ruled undetermined as the investigation was unable to conclusively establish whether this was an accidental overdose, a suicide, an assisted suicide, or possibly a homicide. This case demonstrates the need for caution in self-administration of transdermal fentanyl patches, in particular, the dangers inherent in the application of multiple patches which can result in the release of potentially toxic or lethal doses.

Author Information

Edinboro, LE
Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Poklis, A
Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Trautman, D
Harrison Laboratories, Midland, TX
Lowry, S
Harrison Laboratories, Midland, TX
Backer, R
Harrison Laboratories, Midland, TX
Harvey, CM
Lubbock County Medical Examiners Office, Lubbock, TX
Pages: 3
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JFS14196J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS14196J