Diagnosis of a case of acute chloroquine poisoning using1H NMR spectroscopy: characterisation of drug metabolites in urine

Abstract

Analysis of biological fluids by proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR) is a promising tool in clinical biology. We have used this method for a rapid toxicological screening in the case of a suicide attempt. A urine sample was analysed at 300 and 600 MHz by 1D and 2D sequences (J-resolved and TOCSY) in a short experimental time. Quantification was realized by peak integration of the 1D spectrum. The results showed the presence of chloroquine and its major metabolite monodesethylchloroquine at concentrations of 462 and 140 mg/L, respectively. Ethanol was also detected in the spectrum. It can be concluded that 1H NMR provides many advantages as a tool for clinical diagnosis in a case of acute intoxication.