Wagner S A, Clark M A, Wesche D L, Doedens D J, Lloyd A W
Department of Pathology, Indiana University School of Medicine.
J Forensic Sci. 1992 Jul;37(4):1008-15.
The recreational use of nitrous oxide is widespread. Nitrous oxide for recreational use is usually obtained from anesthesia tanks or whipped-cream machine chargers or cans. Twenty previously described deaths associated with recreational nitrous-oxide use describe anesthesia tanks and whipped-cream machine dispensors as a source. Five deaths associated with nitrous oxide use are presented; two involving whipped-cream cannisters as the source, two involving anesthesia tanks, and one involving a racing fuel tank as a source of nitrous oxide. Autopsy findings in our cases were subtle or negative, but usually suggestive of asphyxia. Through a laboratory simulation, we have confirmed that nitrous oxide displaces oxygen in a closed space, which probably leads to asphyxia. A review of the literature, neuropharmacology, and pathophysiology of nitrous oxide use is also presented.
一氧化二氮的娱乐性使用很普遍。用于娱乐的一氧化二氮通常从麻醉罐、奶油发泡器充电器或罐体中获取。之前描述的20例与娱乐性使用一氧化二氮相关的死亡案例表明，麻醉罐和奶油发泡器是其来源。本文呈现了5例与一氧化二氮使用相关的死亡案例；其中2例的来源是奶油罐，2例是麻醉罐，1例的一氧化二氮来源是赛车油箱。我们所研究案例的尸检结果不明显或呈阴性，但通常提示有窒息情况。通过实验室模拟，我们证实了一氧化二氮在封闭空间中会置换氧气，这可能导致窒息。本文还对一氧化二氮使用的文献、神经药理学和病理生理学进行了综述。
