Document Detail


Factors and processes causing accelerated decomposition in human cadavers - An overview.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21216371     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Process    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Artefactually enhanced putrefactive and autolytic changes may be misinterpreted as indicating a prolonged postmortem interval and throw doubt on the veracity of witness statements. Review of files from Forensic Science SA and the literature revealed a number of external and internal factors that may be responsible for accelerating these processes. Exogenous factors included exposure to elevated environmental temperatures, both outdoors and indoors, exacerbated by increased humidity or fires. Situations indoor involved exposure to central heating, hot water, saunas and electric blankets. Deaths within motor vehicles were also characterized by enhanced decomposition. Failure to quickly or adequately refrigerate bodies may also lead to early decomposition. Endogenous factors included fever, infections, illicit and prescription drugs, obesity and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. When these factors or conditions are identified at autopsy less significance should, therefore, be attached to changes of decomposition as markers of time since death.
Authors:
Chong Zhou; Roger W Byard
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article     Date:  2010-11-10
Journal Detail:
Title:  Journal of forensic and legal medicine     Volume:  18     ISSN:  1878-7487     ISO Abbreviation:  J Forensic Leg Med     Publication Date:  2011 Jan 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-01-10     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  101300022     Medline TA:  J Forensic Leg Med     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  6-9     Citation Subset:  IM    
Copyright Information:
Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.
Affiliation:
Discipline of Pathology, Level 3 Medical School North Building, The University of Adelaide, Frome Road, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia.
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