ESTIMATION OF TIME SINCE DEATH WITH CHANGES IN POTASSIUM LEVEL IN PERICARDIAL FLUID

Sahoo Niranjan; Mishra Shubhankar; Patnaik Kiran Kumar

Volume : V, Issue : XII, December - 2015

ESTIMATION OF TIME SINCE DEATH WITH CHANGES IN POTASSIUM LEVEL IN PERICARDIAL FLUID

Sahoo Niranjan, Mishra Shubhankar, Patnaik Kiran Kumar

Abstract :

Background: For investigation of crime it is very important to determine time since death. The time interval after death is very essential for the law authority, particularly when no witness is present at the scene of crime. An erroneous time of death can lead investigators in a wrong path especially in criminal cases. In fact the estimation of time since death posses a difficult problem faced by Forensic Pathologist. Materials and methods: Cases with known TSD & cause of death and Cases where clear Pericardial fluids were obtained. Result: This prospective study was undertaken with an objective to establish a linkage between levels of electrolyte and time since death. 101 diff medico legal cases with known time since death formed for cohort of the study. The pericardial fluid collected in aseptic maneuver and analyzed for time since death through Spectrophotometer to record the level of electrolyte like Potassium. The time of death was confirmed from accompany relatives, police personnel and medical records. A gradual rise of potassium level at par the time since death is noted. Conclusion: Potassium ion concentration increased with time since death at mean rate of 2.39meq/l/Hr. There was no effect of other parameters like age, sex on the variation of levels of potassium