RENAL MYOGLOBIN IN DRUG-ADDICTS - OCCURRENCE AND SIGNIFICANCE IN A POSTMORTEM STUDY

In a 3-year period (1989-1991) a non-selected, consecutive series of 6 2 deaths in drug addicts was autopsied at the Forensic Institute in Od ense. The kidney sections from these addicts were examined for the pre sence of renal myoglobin using immunohistochemical methods. A referenc e group consisting of a non-selected, non-consecutive series of 58 aut opsied nonaddicts was likewise investigated for the presence of renal myoglobin. No major differences were demonstrated between the two grou ps. The presence of renal myoglobin probably indicates a prolonged cou rse of events prior to death (unconsciousness, immobilization, hypovol emia). In sufficient amounts, renal myoglobin may be of importance as a cause of death or a contributing factor to death in both drug addict s and non-addicts.