The Effects of Postmortem Body Storage Conditions on Diaper Weight

Estimation of hydration status in paediatric deaths provides valuable insight into contributors of mortality including dehydration and paediatric neglect. Diaper weights have been used in postmortem settings to indirectly assess fluid status. However, clinical literature suggests storage conditions may affect the accuracy of these estimates. This study examines the weight change in commercially available diapers stored within different postmortem conditions. Five replicates of dry, wet, and saturated diapers were stored at 4 °C and -20 °C in either a body bag or left exposed to environment. Weights were measured daily over 5 consecutive days. Statistically significant changes in diaper weight were observed across all groups. Overall dry diapers increased in weight, whereas wet/saturated decreased in weight (Pearson and paired t test, P < 0.05) for up to 9 g (~30% in dry and ~9% in wet/saturated diapers). However, when body bags were used, the average changes were <1 g (maximum: 3 g) across all diapers and temperatures. The findings of this study suggest that while diaper weight may be influenced by different postmortem environments, diapers stored in sealed body bags demonstrate more stability, thus may assist in providing a more accurate assessment of hydration status in paediatric deaths.