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Determining Intestinal Permeability Using Lucifer Yellow in an Apical-Out Enteroid Model
Published on: July 27, 2022
Yellow meconium
Johanna Preuß-Wössner1, Jan-Peter Sperhake2, Burkhard Madea3
1University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Institute of Legal Medicine, Kahlhorststr. 31-35, Building 89, Campus Kiel: Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building 28, 23562, 24105, Lübeck, Kiel, Germany. johanna.preuss-woessner@uksh.de.
Abstract:
The intestinal content of newborns is known as meconium, usually described as a black-greenish slimy substance. However, in rare cases, meconium might be yellow. This is of great relevance with regard to the forensic assessment of life birth, i.e. (longer) survival time and possible (breast-)feeding before death. While in older German forensic literature, yellow meconium has been occasionally mentioned from the 19th century on - without any conclusions being drawn from this finding whether the newborn was alive or had been fed -, current forensic literature does not provide information about this phenomenon. No reports of yellow meconium were found in (older) English forensic literature as well. We report two cases of newborn autopsies with yellow meconium and provide a short overview of the respective literature.
Insights
Yellow meconium, a rare finding in newborns, is significant for forensic science. This study explores its implications for determining live birth and feeding status in infants.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Neonatal Autopsy
Background:
- Meconium is typically black-green and slimy, representing the first intestinal content of newborns.
- Yellow meconium is a rare variant with potential forensic significance, particularly for assessing live birth and postnatal feeding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the phenomenon of yellow meconium in forensic neonatal autopsies.
- To review existing literature on yellow meconium and its forensic implications.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two newborn autopsies exhibiting yellow meconium.
- Literature review of historical and current forensic texts regarding meconium variations.
Main Results:
- Two cases of yellow meconium were identified during neonatal autopsies.
- Current forensic literature lacks detailed information on yellow meconium and its interpretation.
Conclusions:
- Yellow meconium is a rare finding that warrants further investigation in forensic contexts.
- Understanding variations in meconium appearance is crucial for accurate forensic assessment of newborns.
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