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01-03-2007 | Case Report

Fatal outcome in a child after ingestion of a transdermal fentanyl patch

Authors: Jörg Teske, Jens-Peter Weller, Klaus Larsch, Hans Dieter Tröger, Matthias Karst

Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine | Issue 2/2007

Abstract

The case history and toxicological findings of a fatal fentanyl intoxication due to ingestion of a transdermal patch are presented. A 1-year-old otherwise healthy girl was put to bed and 2 h later she was found dead. The autopsy revealed a 25-μg/h (4.2 mg) transdermal fentanyl patch in the stomach. Toxicological analysis by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry with positive electrospray ionization yielded fentanyl and norfentanyl concentrations in the peripheral blood of 5.6 and 5.9 ng/ml, heart blood 19.0 and 8.9 ng/ml, and liver 235 and 26 ng/g, respectively. The cause of death was determined to be a fentanyl overdose. The investigation established that the child has unintentionally swallowed the patch, which had been lying on the floor.

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Title: Fatal outcome in a child after ingestion of a transdermal fentanyl patch
Authors: Jörg Teske
Jens-Peter Weller
Klaus Larsch
Hans Dieter Tröger
Matthias Karst
Publication date: 01-03-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine / Issue 2/2007
Print ISSN: 0937-9827
Electronic ISSN: 1437-1596
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-006-0137-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Fatal outcome in a child after ingestion of a transdermal fentanyl patch

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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