Rectal Temperature of Corpse and Estimation of Postmortem Interval.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Thanatology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Corpse temperature measurement, particularly rectal temperature, is a primary method for estimating early postmortem intervals due to its simplicity and non-invasive nature.
• Current internationally accepted methods, like HENSSGE's nomogram, and domestically developed regression equations require further refinement.
• Existing methods face challenges including lack of consensus on temperature plateau characteristics and the impact of initial body temperature variations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review existing research on postmortem interval estimation using rectal temperature.
• To identify current limitations and explore potential avenues for methodological improvement.
• To highlight the need for more systematic, practical, and regionally specific approaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on postmortem interval estimation based on rectal temperature.
• Analysis of existing methods, including HENSSGE's nomogram and regression equations.
• Discussion of influencing factors on body temperature decline.

Main Results:

• Rectal temperature is widely used for early postmortem interval estimation but requires further study.
• Existing methods like nomograms need optimization, and influencing factors need more scientific quantification.
• There is a lack of consensus on temperature plateaus and initial temperature variations.

Conclusions:

• Estimation of postmortem interval using rectal temperature necessitates further research and methodological advancements.
• Optimizing existing methods and scientifically quantifying influencing factors are critical.
• Regionalization of research and application holds promise for enhancing the accuracy of postmortem interval determination.