Jackson is more sedating than the document acknowledges: expert

Jackson is more sedating than the document acknowledges: expert
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Michael Jackson had more of the sedative lorazepam in your bloodstream giving your doctor admitted on the day of his death, a top expert in anesthesiology testified Thursday.

Dr. Steven Shafer, the last prosecution witness in the trial for manslaughter of Conrad Murray also said that propofol is not fatal if swallowed, the undervaluation of an earlier theory, the defense of controversy.

Authorities ruled that Jackson's June 2009 death was caused by an overdose of the anesthetic propofol, combined with the effects of lorazepam.

Murray has admitted giving Jackson a dose of propofol and four milligrams of lorazepam to help sleep. However, his lawyers have argued that Jackson gave himself an extra dose of both drugs without the knowledge of Murray.

Shafer said Thursday that as of the date when Murray said he gave Jackson lorazepam doses amounted to only 10 percent of the amount of the drug found in Jackson's blood at autopsy.

"It is only 10 percent of what is measured, so it did not happen," said Shafer.

Prosecutor David Walgren said: "The blood levels showed that more than four milligrams of lorazepam administered to Michael Jackson?"

"Absolutely," said Shafer.

Shafer also said that studies in animals and humans have shown that propofol is just absorbed into the bloodstream when ingested because most of it is excreted by the liver.

Murray's lawyers said in court last week they were down the theory that propofol Jackson swallowed itself. However, they maintain that he injected more of anesthetics, which is normally used to sedate patients before surgery.

Shafer on Wednesday sharply criticized the attention of pop star Murray 50 years old, and 17 cases gave "serious" violations of the medical community.

He said that the administration of propofol at home to treat insomnia was "drug" Never Never Land "had been made only to Jackson.

The defense questioned Shafer is expected later on Thursday and begin to present their case on Friday. Murray, who has pleaded not guilty, faces a maximum sentence of four years in prison if convicted.

Jackson is more sedating than the document acknowledges: expert