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Forensic Pathologist's Dilemma in the wake of COVID-19 Pandemic
Himanshu Khajuria1, Biswa P Nayak2
1a:1:{s:5:"en_US";s:60:"Amity Institute of Forensic Sciences, Amity University, U.P.";}. hkhajuria@amity.edu.
Insights
Forensic pathologists conduct autopsies to determine the cause of death, especially for unknown conditions like COVID-19. This involves detailed examination and molecular analysis to understand disease progression and outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Forensic pathology
- Pathophysiology
- Infectious disease investigation
Background:
- The role of forensic pathologists is crucial in determining the cause of death, particularly in cases with unknown pathophysiological outcomes.
- Autopsies are vital when the cause of death is unclear, as highlighted by emerging conditions like the novel coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
- The COVID-19 pandemic placed significant pressure on forensic examiners due to the highly contagious nature of SARS-CoV-2.
Discussion:
- Autopsy procedures include comprehensive external and internal examinations of the deceased.
- Histopathological examination of organs and molecular analysis of body fluids are conducted.
- Analysis of tissue-specific and blood biomarkers aids in ascertaining disease progression and cause of death.
Key Insights:
- Forensic pathology is essential for understanding disease outcomes and causes of death.
- Autopsies provide critical data in novel and infectious disease scenarios.
- Comprehensive examination techniques are employed to identify disease markers.
Outlook:
- Continued importance of forensic pathology in public health emergencies.
- Advancements in molecular analysis for improved cause-of-death determination.
- Need for specialized protocols for investigating novel infectious diseases.
Abstract:
The role of forensic pathologist is imperative for investigation of pathophysiological outcome of disease by conducting autopsy or post-mortem examination. Autopsy examination becomes highly significant when the cause of death is unknown or physicochemical parameters of death is of unknown nature due to novel emerging conditions as in case of novel coronavirus pandemic. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, there is undeniable amount of pressure on the forensic examiner fraternity due to the highly contagious nature of new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Autopsy involves thorough external examination of the deceased body followed by gross internal, histopathological examination of organs and molecular analysis of body fluids for various tissue specific and blood biomarkers (enzymes, electrolytes, hormones) to ascertain disease progression and cause of death.
