Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) in Finland

Aim: Since 2008, a new designer drug, 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), emerged among illicit drug users in Finland. In this study, we report the incidence and impact of MDPV among drivers suspected of driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) in year 2010. We also report the prevalence of MDPV in medico-legal autopsy cases in Finland in year 2010. Methods: The LCMS method for the determination of MDPV from blood of DUID suspects and the GCMS method used in the post-mortem investigations are described. In MDPV positive cases from DUID suspects, the drug and alcohol concentrations were compared with the data from the clinical examination carried out while the suspect was under arrest. The Information on psychomotor impairment was used together with the concentration of MDPV and possible other positive drug findings to evaluate the significance of the presence of MDPV. Results and Discussion: In 2010, approximately 5.3 % of all confirmed DUID cases (excluding alcohol-only cases) were positive for MDPV. In 6 % of such cases, where a clinical examination was performed, moderate or greater functional impairment was observed. MDPV was the most abundant designer drug in drug seizures by the police in 2010. Post-mortem toxicology was performed in approximately 7000 cases in year 2010, comprising 14 % of all deaths. MDPV was found in 13 deceased, all of them being drug abusers. However, MDPV was not the sole cause of death in any of these cases. Based on our findings the incidence of MDPV in Finland is exceptional.