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Published on: April 24, 2011
Loss of Nuclear Basophilic Staining as a Postmortem Interval Marker
Samah F Alabbasi1, Ariel C Viramontes2, Francisco J Diaz3
1From the Department of Forensic Sciences, George Washington University.
Introduction:
The loss of basophilia (LOB), as an objective marker of postmortem interval (PMI), was evaluated. Such a correlation has been previously reported in stillborn fetuses.
Method:
Loss of basophilia in different tissues was scored using hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides obtained from 65 random autopsy cases. Scatter plots were used to visually assess the correlation of PMI with our LOB scores. Decomposition was assessed using a modified total body score.
Results:
Loss of basophilia was found to be correlated with PMI (total and unrefrigerated intervals). Specifically in this study, we found full or partial basophilic staining up to 26 hours after death, and complete LOB was seen in cases as early as 36 hours in liver and 60 hours in heart. Loss of basophilia also well correlated with the modified total body score. The LOB varied by tissue and was uncorrelated to histologically observable bacteria and fungi. Refrigeration appeared to stop the autolytic process that causes the LOB.
Conclusion:
Complete LOB can be expected between 1 and 2 days after death in unrefrigerated liver and heart tissues because of autolysis.
Insights
Loss of basophilia (LOB) is a reliable postmortem interval (PMI) marker. Complete LOB in liver and heart tissues occurs within 1-2 days in unrefrigerated cases, aiding decomposition studies.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Autolysis Research
Background:
- Loss of basophilia (LOB) is an objective marker for estimating postmortem interval (PMI).
- Previous studies indicated a correlation between LOB and PMI in stillborn fetuses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the correlation between LOB and PMI in autopsy cases.
- To determine the reliability of LOB as a postmortem interval marker.
Main Methods:
- Scoring LOB in various tissues from 65 autopsy cases using H&E-stained slides.
- Assessing PMI correlation with LOB scores via scatter plots.
- Evaluating decomposition using a modified total body score.
Main Results:
- LOB correlated significantly with PMI in both total and unrefrigerated intervals.
- Partial basophilic staining persisted up to 26 hours postmortem.
- Complete LOB was observed as early as 36 hours in the liver and 60 hours in the heart.
- LOB correlated with decomposition scores and varied by tissue.
- Refrigeration appeared to halt the autolytic process causing LOB.
Conclusions:
- Complete loss of basophilia is expected within 1-2 days postmortem in unrefrigerated liver and heart tissues due to autolysis.
- LOB is a valuable indicator for estimating postmortem interval, particularly in cases without refrigeration.
