A �Theoretical� Postmortem Redistribution Factor (Ft) as a Marker of Postmortem Redistribution

 A “Theoretical” Postmortem Redistribution Factor (Ft) as a Marker of Postmortem Redistribution

Postmortem redistribution (PMR) refers to the changes that can occur in drug concentrations after death. Literature supports a model describing drugs with a liver (L) to peripheral blood (P) concentration (L/P) ratio less than 5 L/kg as being prone to little or no PMR, while drugs with an L/P ratio greater than 20-30 L/kg have propensity for substantial PMR. Additionally, the concept of a post-mortem redistribution (F) factor has been recently described to express the direct relationship between post mortem peripheral blood and the corresponding antemortem whole-blood concentration. The current document expounds upon both these concepts by proposing the development of a “theoretical” postmortem redistribution factor (Ft) for a drug––based upon a drug’s characteristic L/P ratio. This model for estimating potential of PMR was produced to assist with a credible interpretation of postmortem drug concentrations.