TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2013//
TI  - Notes from the field: Acetyl fentanyl overdose fatalities - Rhode Island, March-May 2013
JO  - MMWR: Morbidity and mortality weekly report
SP  - 703
EP  - 704
VL  - 62
IS  - 34
N2  - In May 2013, the Rhode Island State Health Laboratories noticed an unusual pattern of toxicology results among 10 overdose deaths of suspected illicit drug users that had occurred during March 7-April 11, 2013. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for fentanyl in blood was positive for fentanyl in all 10 cases, but confirmatory gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) did not detect fentanyl. The mass spectrum was instead consistent with acetyl fentanyl, a fentanyl analog. Acetyl fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, has not been documented in illicit drug use or overdose deaths, and is not available as a prescription drug anywhere. Animal studies suggest that acetyl fentanyl is up to five times more potent than heroin as an analgesic.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0149-2195
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/
ID  - ref1
ER  -