Adam (MDMA) and Eve (MDEA) misuse: an immunohistochemical study on three fatal cases.
Vittorio Fineschi, Fabio Centini, E Mazzeo, Emanuela Turillazzi
Forensic Science International September 30, 1999 DOI: 10.1016/s0379-0738(99)00095-x (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 3 |
| Population | White males aged 19 to 20 years who died after MDMA/MDEA misuse |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Key findings | Immunohistochemical investigation of three fatal ecstasy-related cases showed rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria with organ alterations typical of DIC. The authors suggest that severe or fatal complications following MDMA/MDEA ingestion could be related to an idiosyncratic response. |
Abstract
Three fatal cases of MDMA/MDEA misuse have been examined. These referred to white males between 19 and 20 years of age, in which post-mortem toxicology showed the presence of MDMA (in one case), MDEA (in one case) and both (in one case). The clinical data were analysed and the histopathological findings were studied following immunohistochemical investigations. A complete immunohistochemical study has made it possible to demonstrate rhabdomyolysis and myoglobinuria with alterations of the organs typical of a DIC. Clinical, histopathological and toxicological data suggest that severe or fatal complications following ecstasy ingestion could be related to idiosyncratic response.
Comparable studies
Other case reports and case series on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| 'Eve' and 'Ecstasy'. A report of five deaths associated with the use of MDEA and MDMA Individuals whose deaths were associated with MDMA or MDEA use | 1987 | Case series | n = 5 |
| Pathology of deaths associated with "ecstasy" and "eve" misuse. Young white men aged 20 to 25 who died after using ring-substituted amphetamines (MDMA... | 1996 | Case series | n = 7 |
| 'Eve' and 'Ecstasy' Individuals who died after using MDMA or MDEA | 1987 | Case series | n = 5 |
| A Method of Conducting Therapeutic Sessions with MDMA Clients with clear therapeutic purpose, excluding those with serious functional... | 1998 | Case study | n = 2 |
| Diversity of Psychopathology Associated with use of 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (‘Ecstasy’) Psychiatric patients presenting between 1990 and 1992 whose symptoms developed in the... | 1994 | Case series | n = 13 |
Citations in the library
Cited by 13
- Ecstasy (MDMA) Deaths in New York City: A Case Series and Review of the Literature Journal of Forensic Sciences 2002
- Mechanisms of MDMA (Ecstasy)-Induced Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Organ Damage Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology June 27, 2010
- Use of MDA (The "Love Drug") and Methamphetamine in Toronto by Unsuspecting Users of Ecstasy (MDMA) Journal of Forensic Sciences September 1, 2004
- The Neuropsychopharmacology and Toxicology of 3,4‐methylenedioxy‐N‐ethyl‐amphetamine (MDEA) CNS Drug Reviews June 1, 2004
- Zinc Supplementation Reduces ROS Production and Prevents MDMA-Induced Apoptosis in TM3 Leydig Cells via the Inhibition of Pro-Apoptotic Proteins. Biological Trace Element Research April 1, 2025
and 8 more in the library
Cites 6
- 'Eve' and 'Ecstasy'. A report of five deaths associated with the use of MDEA and MDMA JAMA March 27, 1987
- Pathology of deaths associated with "ecstasy" and "eve" misuse. Journal of Clinical Pathology February 1, 1996
- Chronic ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymetamphetamine) abuse: a recurrent and unpredictable cause of severe acute hepatitis. Journal of Hepatology October 1996
- MDMA induced hyperthermia: report of a fatality and review of current therapy. Intensive care medicine September 1996
- Fatal poisoning by MDMA (ecstasy) and MDEA: a case report. International Journal of Legal Medicine 1996
and 1 more in the library