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Defraia, Beatrice
- Fatal Poisoning due to Co-ingestion of Benzodiazepines and Alcohol: A Case Report
Authors
1 Department of Anatomy, Histology and Forensic Medicine, Division of Forensic Toxicology, University of Florence, IT
2 Department of Anatomy, Histology and Forensic Medicine, Division of Forensic Medicine, University of Florence, IT
Source
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Vol 7, No 1 (2013), Pagination: 45-47Abstract
Benzodiazepines are among the most frequently worldwide prescribed antidepressant and antipsychotic drugs because they are considered effective and safe drugs. Despite of this, acute ingestion of benzodiazepines combined with alcohol is responsible for several toxicological interactions that can have serious outcomes such as the central nervous system depression. The Authors outline a case report of a 57-year-old woman suffering from depression, found dead in her apartment. The cause of death was attributed to cardio-respiratory arrest due to co-ingestion of massive intake of alprazolam and ketazolam, molecules to benzodiazepines structure and alcohol. This brief communication has the aim to bring a further contribution to scientific literature about the effects of interaction between alcohol and benzodiazepines.Keywords
Benzodiazepines, Alcohol, Poisoning, DepressionReferences
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- Bone Necrosis after Devigen™ Application: A Case Report and Medico-Legal Discussion
Authors
1 Department of Anatomy, Histology and Legal Medicine, Legal-Medicine Section, University of Florence, Florence, IT
Source
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Vol 7, No 1 (2013), Pagination: 226-230Abstract
Objectives: Paraformaldehyde compounds are extremely toxic to teeth and surrounding tissues. The literature has reported several cases of damage to soft and hard tissues caused by the leakage or spread of the devitalising toxic compounds away from the dental filling, such as bone or gum necrosis, paraesthesia due to toxic nerve damage and allergic responses and important scientific Society of Endodontology (American Association of Endodontists and the European Society of Endodontology ) recommended against their use.Methods: This report describes a case of bone necrosis after an inappropriate off-label use of paraformaldehyde-containing paste and the connected breach of the duty of care owed to the patient.
Results: Patients is still in follow-up since she is waiting for a compensation.
Conclusions: Dentists should be aware of the severe risks to patient health of the use of aldehyde paste in endodontic practice and of the medico-legal consequences of such sub-standard procedures. The clinical and medico-legal issues of the reported case support the sale dismission of such toxic materials and the discontinuation of their use by endodontic practitioners.
Clinical significance statement: Paraformaldehyde compounds are extremely toxic to teeth and surrounding tissues. We strongly believe that use of such toxic materials should be banned everywhere and we present the main medico-legal issues connected with their use.
Keywords
Paraformaldehyde Compounds, Informed Consent, Endodontic Treatment, off-Label UseReferences
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