DRUG DEATH AUTOPSIES AT THE MUNICH-INSTITUTE-OF-FORENSIC-MEDICINE (1981-1992)

A total of 638 drug death autopsy cases in southern Bavaria from 1981 to 1992 were analysed, including epidemiological and toxicological inv estigations. The rate of HIV infections decreased during the last few years. Cocaine does not (yet) play a major role. Suicide rates are hig h. Heroin intoxications are the most frequent cause of death, mostly i n combination with other drugs and alcohol. In 1992 we observed a shar p increase of the number of deaths associated with dihydrocodeine abus e. This seems to be a local phenomenon and has to be explained by uncr itical and uncontrolled prescription of large amounts of this opiate b y individual physicians.