Forensic pathology and infant deaths: A recent update

Area of Science:

• Forensic Pathology
• Pediatric Death Investigation

Background:

• Infant death investigations face challenges in distinguishing natural, accidental, and intentional causes.
• Traditional autopsy methods often lack definitive markers for asphyxia or trauma, leading to diagnostic ambiguity in cases of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), neonaticide, and infanticide.
• Inconsistent classification protocols and overlapping post-mortem findings complicate accurate determinations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evolving methodologies in forensic infant death investigations.
• To highlight the impact of emerging forensic tools on investigative practices.
• To emphasize the need for collaboration and standardization in the field.

Main Methods:

• This review synthesizes current evidence on advanced forensic techniques.
• It examines the application of post-mortem imaging, molecular autopsy, biomechanical modeling, and toxicological screening.
• The study analyzes how these methods address limitations in traditional autopsy.

Main Results:

• Recent advancements are transforming infant death investigations.
• New tools offer improved potential for identifying causes of death, including subtle trauma or asphyxia.
• Integration of these technologies can reduce diagnostic ambiguity.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need for evidence-based integration of emerging forensic tools.
• Collaboration among forensic experts and standardization of protocols are essential.
• Adopting advanced methodologies will enhance the accuracy and reliability of infant death investigations.