Journal of Forensic Sciences · 2000 · 92 citations · 15 references
PharmacyClinical ToxicologyToxicologyPoisoning DiagnosisSubstance Abuse ToxicologySubstance Use DisordersClinical Manifestations Of IntoxicationDrug Overdose DiagnosisDrug Overdose PreventionSubstance IntoxicationDrug-related Sudden DeathFatal PoisoningIllicit Drug DeathsIllicit Drug OverdoseKetamine ToxicityMedical Examiner ReportsPhysical Injury To VictimsPoisoning Death Reporting
We examined 87 ketamine‑positive deaths in New York City from 1997–1999, of which 15 were non‑hospital deaths and the remaining 72 were hospital deaths following surgical procedures or burns. Among the 15 non‑hospital ketamine‑positive deaths, 12 were due to acute multidrug intoxication (with opiates, amphetamines, and cocaine as the most frequent co‑intoxicants), one was due to sarcoidosis, two to physical injury, no death was caused solely by ketamine, and all decedents were white men aged 18–30.
We reviewed all ketamine-positive deaths (87) examined at the New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner over a two-year period (1997 to 1999). There were 15 non-hospital deaths with 12 due to acute multidrug intoxications, one due to sarcoidosis, and two due to physical injury (blunt and thermal). In no instance was a fatal intoxication caused exclusively by ketamine. Opiates (10/15), followed by amphetamines (7/15) and cocaine (6/15), were the most frequent co-intoxicants. Ethanol was found in only one death. The race of all decedents was white and the majority were men (11/15) between the ages of 18 and 30 years. The remaining 72 instances of positive ketamine findings were hospital deaths following surgical procedures or burns.
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Ketamine—Its Pharmacology and Therapeutic Uses
Paul F. White, Walter L. Way, Anthony J. Trevor · Anesthesiology · 1982 · 1.5K citations · Full text
'Eve' and 'Ecstasy'. A report of five deaths associated with the use of MDEA and MDMA
G Dowling · JAMA · 1987 · 301 citations
Medicine, Pharmacology, Psychiatry +14