The determination of cocaine, benzoylecgonine, and cocaethylene in small-volume oral fluid samples by liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

A quantitative analysis was developed for the determination of cocaine, benzoylecgonine, and cocaethylene in oral fluid using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. After internal standardization and solid-phase extraction, chromatographic separation was achieved on a reversed-phase column by gradient elution. The reconstructed mass chromatograms of the collision-induced dissociation transitions of m/z 290 --> m/z 168 (benzoylecgonine), m/z 304 --> m/z 168+119 (2'-methylbenzoylecgonine), m/z 304 --> m/z 182 (cocaine), m/z 318 --> m/z 196 (cocaethylene), and m/z 318 --> m/z 182+119 (2'-methylcocaine) were used for quantitation. The developed method was adequately validated. Good linearity was obtained from 10 to 1000 microg/L. Extraction recoveries exceeded 85% for all compounds. Excellent total and within-run reproducibilities (CV% < 20%) and accuracy figures were obtained. The limit of detection (signal-to-noise ratio >/= 3) was 1 microg/L for all three compounds. As such, a method for drug abuse confirmation analysis in oral fluid, compatible with the present day saliva collecting devices, is obtained. The method was applied to real samples (n = 15) obtained from suspected drug users, of which seven proved positive. The concentrations found in the positive samples were between 10.2 and 200.6 microg/L for cocaine, < limit of quantification (LOQ) and 10.5 microg/L for cocaethylene, and < LOQ and 59.2 microg/L for benzoylecgonine.

Fatality due to combined use of the designer drugs MDMA and PMA: a distribution study.

We present a fatal case involving the combined ingestion of amphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine, and paramethoxyamphetamine. Various postmortem specimens (e.g., several blood samples, urine, and tissue samples) were analyzed to study the distribution of the compounds and their metabolites in the human body. Quantitation took place using liquid chromatography-sonic spray ionization-mass spectrometry after pretreatment with a liquid-liquid extraction. The medico-legal findings were compatible with a disseminated intravascular coagulation induced by hyperthermia caused by the simultaneous intake of the amphetamine analogues.

[Ectodermal dysplasia syndrome]. / Ectodermale dysplastische syndromen.

Ectodermal dysplasias (ED) are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by developmental dystrophies of ectodermal structures, such as hypohidrosis, hypotrichosis, onychodysplasia and hypodontia or anodontia. All forms of this heterogeneous group are genetically transmitted. Two genes are localized and identified, namely ectodermal dysplasia anhidrotic (EDA) and downless (DL). Currently the genes and gene products are defined, but the function of the proteins is not fully known. The location of the genes has enabled prenatal diagnosis and a more accurate identification of possible carriers. Medical counseling provides genetic information concerning the specific diagnosis, recurring risks, prenatal approach, identification of risk carrying relatives, and social, economic and psychological problems. Evaluation and diagnosis are essential immediately after birth.