Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026
Scanning Skeletal Remains for Bone Mineral Density in Forensic Contexts
Published on: January 29, 2018
Forensic Assessment of Postmortem Biochemical Changes in Starvation and Dehydration: Correlation with Duration of
P V Balaji1, Vijaya Kumar Nair2
1Department of Physiology, Vinayaka Mission's Medical College and Hospital, Vinayaka Mission's Research Foundation (Deemed to be University), Karaikal, India.
Background:
Starvation and dehydration are critical physiological states that leave distinct biochemical and pathological markers detectable in postmortem examinations. Accurately identifying these changes is essential for forensic pathologists in determining the cause of death and differentiating between fatal nutritional deprivation and other conditions. This study aimed to investigate and compare the biochemical and histopathological alterations associated with varying durations of starvation and dehydration in postmortem cases and to evaluate their forensic relevance.
Materials And Methods:
An observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 135 postmortem cases at Vinayaka Mission's Medical College. Subjects were categorized into two groups based on estimated starvation duration (1-3 days and 4-7 days). Biochemical markers (e.g., cortisol, aldosterone, insulin, electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen [BUN], creatinine, and liver enzymes) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and standard biochemical assays. Histopathological analysis was conducted on the liver, kidney, heart, and gastrointestinal tissues. Statistical analysis included t-tests, Mann-Whitney U-tests, and multivariate regression.
Results:
Cortisol and aldosterone levels were elevated in 88.1% and 64.4% of cases, respectively, with significantly higher levels in the prolonged starvation group (P < 0.001). Insulin was suppressed in 50% of long-duration cases. Electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyponatremia (75%), hypokalemia (65%), and hypochloremia (65%), worsened with starvation duration. Renal markers such as elevated BUN (85%) and creatinine (P < 0.001) indicated renal hypoperfusion. Histopathology revealed advanced muscle wasting, organ atrophy, and hepatic steatosis, correlating strongly with biochemical abnormalities.
Conclusions:
The study confirms that specific biochemical and pathological markers vary significantly with the duration of starvation and dehydration, supporting their forensic utility. Quantitative thresholds for key markers may enhance the accuracy of postmortem cause-of-death determinations, particularly in the absence of reliable clinical history.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Metabolic States of the Body: Fasting and Starvation
01:18Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State
Initially, glycogen stored in the liver is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, while glycogen in the muscles is broken down to supply glucose for energy directly within the muscle cells. As glycogen stores diminish,...
01:28Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...