Cocaine-related fatalities in New South Wales, Australia 1993–2002

摘要: Abstract Aim : To ascertain the demographic characteristics, circumstances of death, toxicological results, and major autopsy findings cocaine-related fatalities. Design Inspection coronial records all deaths that occurred in New South Wales, Australia between 1 January 1993 31 December 2002. Setting Australia. Findings 146 cases were identified. Cocaine was implicated direct cause death 86% cases, an antecedent 8% a significant condition contributing to 7%. The mean age decedents 34.1years, 84% male. Half employed, 26% professional employment. predominant route administration injection (86%), however nasal (8%), oral (3%), smoking (1%), anal (1%) recorded. most common location private home (53%). No intervention prior 82% cases. median blood benzoylecgonine concentration 0.40 mg/L (range 0.00–20.00 mg/L). Cases had 3.5 drugs, with morphine (79%) co-occurring drug. In 5% cocaine sole drug detected. Cardiac pathology noted 57% commonly coronary artery atherosclerosis (39%) cardiac hypertrophy (14%). 15% moderate severe arterial occlusion noted. Cerebrovascular 22% cerebrovascular (10%). Conclusions Cocaine-related are clinical problem Wales.