Death caused by recreational cocaine use. An update

Abstract

The epidemiologic, pathological and toxicological findings of 60 cocaine-related overdose deaths from mid 1978 through 1982 were studied and compared with a previous publication by this office [Dade County Medical Examiner, Florida, USA]. In addition, 180 deaths where cocaine was an incidental toxicological finding are also discussed. The average street cocaine fatality victim is 29 yr old and 42% of the victims are female. Blacks comprise 39% of the cases. The blood cocaine concentration in street cocaine fatality victims averaged 6.2 mg/l with a wide range necessitating careful interpretation of the toxicological results in conjunction with terminal events. Autopsy findings were generally nonspecific. Multiple needle-puncture marks with surrounding ecchymoses are typical of i.v. cocaine abuse. An increase in cocaine-related overdose deaths is anticipated because of its popularity, increasing availability and the increased purity of street cocaine.