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The effect of lethal electrical shock on postmortem serum myoglobin concentrations
A Fieguth1, G Schumann, H D Tröger
1Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical School Hannover, Germany.
Forensic Science International
|December 22, 1999
Summary
Postmortem serum myoglobin levels increase with time after death, regardless of cause. While electrical fatalities showed some differences, myoglobin levels alone are insufficient to confirm electrocution.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Serum myoglobin is a protein released from muscle tissue.
- Elevated myoglobin can indicate muscle damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare postmortem serum myoglobin concentrations in electrical fatalities versus other causes of death.
- To investigate the influence of postmortem interval and withdrawal site on myoglobin levels.
Main Methods:
- Serum myoglobin was measured in peripheral and central blood samples.
- Samples were collected from nine electrical fatalities and 74 controls.
- Concentrations were analyzed in relation to postmortem interval and cause of death.
Main Results:
- Serum myoglobin concentrations increased significantly with postmortem time in all cases.
- In 59% of cases, central blood had higher myoglobin than peripheral blood.
- A statistically significant difference in myoglobin was observed between electrical fatalities and controls up to two days postmortem, with wide overlapping values.
Conclusions:
- Postmortem serum myoglobin levels are influenced by time since death and potentially by electrical current-induced muscle cramps.
- Myoglobin concentrations alone are not sufficient to diagnose intravital electrical exposure.
- Interpretation requires knowledge of the circumstances surrounding the death, particularly electrical incidents.