TY - JOUR
PY - 2021//
TI - Characteristics of fatal 'novel' benzodiazepine toxicity in Australia
JO - Forensic science international
A1 - Darke, Shane
A1 - Peacock, Amy
A1 - Duflou, Johan
A1 - Farrell, Michael
A1 - Lappin, Julia
SP - e111140
EP - e111140
VL - 331
IS -
N2 - INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to determine: 1. The characteristics of all recorded cases of fatal drug poisoning involving 'novel' benzodiazepines (NBZDs) in Australia; 2. The toxicology of cases; and 3. The major autopsy findings.
METHODS: Retrospective study of all deaths due to drug toxicity in Australia in which NBZDs were present in blood toxicology, retrieved from the National Coronial Information System (2000-2021). Information was collected on case characteristics, toxicology and major organ pathology.
RESULTS: A total of 40 cases were identified, the first occurring in 2015, with a median age of 26.5 years and 87.5% being male. Death was due to accidental toxicity in 92.5% of cases. There were extensive histories of substance use problems (80.0%) and mental health problems (32.5%). Etizolam was the most common NBZD (87.5%), followed by flubromazolam (15.0%), with other NBZDs detected in 20.0% (delorazepam, diclazepam, flualprazolam, flubromazepam, lormetazepam). Multiple NBZDs were present in 27.5%. Other drugs were present in 97.5%, most commonly opioids (70.0%), registered benzodiazepines (62.5%), psychostimulants (45.0%) and gabapentinoids (32.5%). A CNS depressant other than a NBZD was detected in 95.0% (n = 38). Autopsies were conducted and available for 30 cases, with pulmonary oedema (76.7%, n = 23), aspiration of vomitus (46.7%, n = 14) and acute bronchopneumonia (36.7%, n = 11) the most common diagnoses.
CONCLUSIONS: The 'typical' NBZD-related death was a young male who died due to accidental toxicity. Deaths most frequently involved etizolam and multiple substances, particularly depressants. Language: en
LA - en
SN - 0379-0738
UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111140
ID - ref1
ER -