Immune responses in fatalities involving opioids

Figures & data

Table 1. Demographic findings and clinical histories (N = 49).

Items	Immune responders (n = 5)	Non-responders (n = 44)	P-value
Demographic findings
Sex
Male	5	23	NS
Female	0	21
Race
White	5	42	NS
Non-white	0	2
Age (years)
Mean	32	44	NS
Range	22–45	19–83
Clinical histories
Drug abuse	2	16	NS
Depression	3	12	NS
ASCVD	1	8	NS
Pneumonia	0	7	NS
Fatty liver	0	6	NS
Cirrhosis	0	5	NS
Emphysema	0	4	NS
Seizure disorder	0	4	NS
Obesity	0	2	NS
NIDDM	0	3	NS
Asthma	2	1	0.0244
Hypertension	1	1	NS

NS: not significant; ASCVD: atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; NIDDM: non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

Table 2. Drugs found at autopsy (N = 49).

Drugs	Immune responders (n = 5)	Non-responders (n = 44)	P-value
Methadone	1	13	NS
Hydrocodone	1	10	NS
Oxycodone	1	9	NS
Morphine	0	8	NS
Heroin	2	4	NS
Hydromophone	0	3	NS
Codeine	0	2	NS
Fentanyl	0	1	NS
Benzodiazepine	3	15	NS
Zolpidem	0	2	NS
SSRI	1	17	NS
TCA	1	3	NS
Cyclobenzaprine	0	2	NS
Diphenhydramine	1	5	NS
β blocker	1	2	NS
Cocaine	0	6	NS
Amphetamine	0	1	NS
Pseudoephedrine	0	2	NS
Acetaminophen	1	6	NS
Propoxyphene	0	3	NS
Alcohol	0	8	NS
THC	1	7	NS

NS: not significant; SSRI: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor; TCA: tricyclic antidepressant; THC: tetrahydrocannabinol.

Table 3. Cause and manner of death (N = 49).

Items	Immune responders (n = 5)	Non-responders (n = 44)	P-value
Cause of death
MDI	2	27	NS
Pneumonia	0	5	NS
Overdose	0	5	NS
MVA	0	2	NS
PE	0	2	NS
GSW	0	2	NS
Asthma	2	0	0.0085
Leukemia	0	1	NS
Edema	1	0	NS
Manner of death
Accident	4	32	NS
Natural	1	7	NS
Suicide	0	4	NS
Homicide	0	0	NS
Indeterminate	0	1	NS

MDI: multiple drug intoxication; NS: not significant; MVA: motor vehicle accident; PE: pulmonary embolus; GSW: gunshot wound.