Journal Published Online: 01 January 2002
Volume 47, Issue 1

Ecstasy (MDMA) Deaths in New York City: A Case Series and Review of the Literature

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

MDMA (“ecstasy”) has gained renewed popularity as a drug of abuse. To access the epidemiology and causes of death of MDMA-positive fatalities, all deaths investigated by the OCME that tested positive for MDMA (22 deaths) between January 1997 and June 2000 were reviewed. There were three deaths in each 1997 and 1998, eleven in 1999, and five in the first part of 2000. Of these 22 deaths, 13 were due to acute drug intoxications, 7 due to mechanical injury (blunt trauma, gunshot wounds), and 2 due to a combination of natural disease and acute drug intoxication. Evidence of recent opiate and/or cocaine use was found in 7 of the acute intoxication deaths and in none of the traumatic or combination natural/intoxication deaths. The race of all decedents was White between the ages of 17–41 years, and 18 of 22 were men.

Author Information

Gill, JR
New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner and Department of Forensic Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
Hayes, JA
New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner and Department of Forensic Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
deSouza, IS
Bellevue Hospital Center/New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
Marker, E
Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner and Department of Forensic Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
Stajic, M
Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner and Department of Forensic Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
Pages: 6
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS15211J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS15211J