Publications by authors named "J A Duflou"
Article Synopsis
- Baclofen, prescribed for muscle spasms in Australia, has been linked to 102 deaths from 2000-2022, with a majority involving intentional toxicity and a significant presence of mental health and substance use issues among victims.
- The average age of those who died was about 45.6 years, with 51% being male, and 73.5% had documented mental health problems.
- The study highlights the importance of caution in prescribing baclofen due to its potential for misuse, dependency, and overdose.
Article Synopsis
- GHB-related death rates in Australia remained stable from 2001 to 2015, but significantly increased from 2016 to 2021, with an annual percent change of 44.4% during the latter period.
- Most deaths were due to unintentional toxicity (81.6%), and victims tended to be older, less employed, and more likely to have substance use and mental health issues compared to earlier years.
- Despite the increased rates, the median blood GHB concentration remained relatively stable, while the occurrence of aspiration pneumonia in these cases decreased.
Neuropathology of deaths due to acute alcohol toxicity in Australia, 2011-2022.
Drug Alcohol Depend
October 2024
Article Synopsis
- The study examined 500 cases of deaths caused by acute alcohol toxicity in Australia from 2011 to 2022, focusing on brain injuries and related pathologies.
- The findings showed that only 12% of cases had brain atrophy, primarily in the cerebellum, which is lower than other organ-related pathologies like heart and kidney issues.
- Those with brain atrophy were typically older and had a higher prevalence of alcohol use problems, seizures, and other major health conditions compared to those without.
Article Synopsis
- A study analyzed LSD- and psilocybin-related deaths in Australia from 2000-2023, focusing on death circumstances and toxicological profiles.
- A total of 43 cases were found (33 LSD, 10 psilocybin) with the majority resulting from traumatic accidents, while self-harm cases involved only LSD.
- The clinical symptoms often included severe agitation, and while some deaths were linked to multiple drug toxicity, others had undetermined causes, with a notable lack of pre-existing organ issues.