Simultaneous Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Quantification of Urinary Opiates, Cocaine, and Metabolites in Opiate-Dependent Pregnant Women in Methadone

Authors: Diaa M. Shakleya¹, Riet Dams², Robin E. Choo³, Hendree Jones⁴, and Marilyn A. Huestis^1
1Chemistry and Drug Metabolism, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIH, Baltimore, Maryland 21224; ²Via Damsco 9/A, 37080 Lugagnano di Sona (VR), Italy; ³University of Pittsburgh, Titusville, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260; and ⁴Center for Addiction and Pregnancy, Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland 21224

Opiates, cocaine, and metabolites were quantified by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) in 284 urine specimens, collected thrice weekly, to monitor possible drug relapse in 15 pregnant heroin-dependent women. Opiates were detected in 149 urine specimens (52%) with limits of quantification (LOQ) of 10–50 µg/L. Morphine, morphine-3-glucuronide, and/or morphine-6-glucuronide were positive in 121 specimens; 6-acetylmorphine, a biomarker of heroin ingestion, was quantifiable in only 7. No heroin, 6-acetylcodeine, papaverine, or noscapine were detected. One hundred and sixty-five urine specimens (58%) from all 15 participants were positive for one or more cocaine analytes (LOQ 10–100 µg/L). Ecgonine methylester (EME) and/or benzoylecgonine were the major cocaine biomarkers in 142. Anhydroecgonine methylester, a biomarker of smoked cocaine, was positive in six; cocaethylene and/or ecgonine ethylester, biomarkers of cocaine and ethanol co-ingestion, were found in 25. At the current Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration cutoffs for total morphine (2000 µg/L), codeine (2000 µg/L), 6-acetylmorphine (10 µg/L), and benzoylecgonine (100 µg/L), 16 opiate- and 29 cocaine-positive specimens were identified. Considering 100 µg/L EME as an additional urinary cocaine biomarker would identify 51 more positive cocaine specimens. Of interest is the differential pattern of opiate and cocaine biomarkers observed after LC–MS as compared to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis.

Journal of Analytical Toxicology, January/February 2010, Volume 34, Number 1, pages 17–25.

Reproduction (photocopying) of editorial content without publisher's permission is prohibited.

Customer Reviews:

You may also be interested in this/these product(s)

Journal of Analytical Toxicology: January/February 2010 $90.00