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[Studies on the estimation of the postmortem interval. 6. The putrefaction (author's transl)]
[Hokkaido Igaku Zasshi] the Hokkaido Journal of Medical Science
|July 1, 1978
Summary
Forensic science research reveals putrefaction signs on cadavers are reliable for estimating time since death. These findings are consistent across seasons, ages, and sexes, aiding medico-legal investigations.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Taphonomy
- Postmortem Interval Estimation
Context:
- Medico-legal autopsies conducted on 368 cadavers in Hokkaido districts.
- Investigation focused on ten distinct putrefactive findings.
- Analysis considered seasonal, age, and sex variations, as well as cause of death.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the reliability of putrefactive findings for estimating the postmortem interval.
- To determine if seasonal variations, age, or sex influence the occurrence of putrefaction.
- To identify specific putrefactive indicators and their correlation with time since death.
Summary:
- No significant seasonal, age, or sex variations in putrefactive findings were observed in indoor Hokkaido cadavers.
- Certain causes of death, such as exsanguination and traumatic shock, showed less frequent putrefaction.
- Specific findings like turbid pericardial fluid (over 6 hours), exudation (over 12 hours), skin discoloration (over 18 hours), and skin bullae (over 2 days) aid in time since death estimation.
Impact:
- Establishes putrefactive findings as valuable criteria for postmortem interval estimation in forensic investigations.
- Provides a framework for correlating specific decomposition stages with timeframes, aiding legal proceedings.
- Highlights the consistency of decomposition patterns irrespective of environmental seasonality in controlled indoor settings.