Department Of Forensic Medicine Research Articles

Morphometric Study of Nutrient Foramen of Human Adult Humerus and Its Clinical & Medico-legal Implications

BACKGROUND: Nutrient arteries, along with other arteries supplying the humerus, are crucial not only for the healing of serious injuries such as humeral shaft fractures but also for microsurgical vascularized bone transplantation. Therefore, understanding the precise location and morphometry of nutrient foramen in bones like the humerus is essential to prevent common complications, such as non-union of fractures. This study aims to examine the location and topography of nutrient foramen in the humerus and to establish their clinical & medico-legal significance.MATERIAL METHODS: The study was conducted on 400 dried adult humerus bones of both sexes from Western Uttar Pradesh, sourced from the Department of Anatomy & Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology at Mahatma Vidur Autonomous State Medical College, Bijnor. Measurements and observations were carried out using an osteometric board.RESULT: Nutrient foramen was absent in 30 humerus (7.50%), single in 76.50%, and double in 16% of cases. Most humerus had medium-sized foramina (1-2 mm) on both the left and right sides, accounting for 78.80%. The majority of foramina were found on the anteromedial surface (85.02%), with fewer on the posterior surface. Additionally, most foramina were located in the middle third of the humeral diaphysis.CONCLUSION: Surgeons and orthopedists must possess precise knowledge of the number, size, shape, direction, and location of the nutrient foramen to accurately assess the humerus's vascular supply and avoid injury during surgical procedures. Morphometric data is also essential in identifying unknown remains, evaluating the severity and timing of trauma, and determining potential surgical complications in cases of medical malpractice.

Epidemiological Evaluation of Suicidal Deaths due to Hanging: A Retrospective Medicolegal Study in Sylhet

Background: Suicidal hanging is the most common method of suicide in developing countries, especially among young people. During conventional autopsies, it is one of the significant causes of unnatural deaths in Bangladesh. This study was performed to determine the epidemiological evaluation of suicidal deaths due to suicidal hanging at the mortuary of the Forensic Medicine Department of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, Sylhet. Materials and methods: An autopsy record-based retrospective study carried out to ascertain the epidemiological evaluation of 340 cases of suicidal hanging deaths from January 2015 to December 2018 in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, Sylhet. Results: Hanging was more common in the age ranges of 10-19 years (33.0%) and 20-29 years (29.1%), accounting for nearly two-thirds (62.1%) of all deaths. The incidence was higher in females (59.3%) than males (46.7%). Gowainghat (12.1%) and Kotwali (9.5%) had the highest incidences of victims. The most common autopsy findings were that the subcutaneous tissues underneath the ligature mark were found to be pale, white, hard and glistening in 94.2% of cases, cyanosis was found in 89.8% of cases, dribbling of saliva was seen in 66.3% of cases and subconjunctival petechial haemorrhage was observed in 46.0% of cases. Asphyxia (93.3%) was the most common cause of suicidal hanging deaths identified during autopsy. Conclusion: The majority of victims were female and young individuals were especially vulnerable to suicidal ideation, attempts and suicide by hanging. To reduce suicides, awareness programs, psychological counseling andsuicidal behavioral treatment are recommended. IAHS Medical Journal Vol 7(1), June 2024; 13-16

Analysis of the health conditions of migrants and asylum seekers in reception centers: From scene investigation to the evaluation of signs of torture

The phenomenon of migration is an international issue that mainly concerns Europe. In Italy, because of its close proximity to Africa, there are many migrant landings, especially on the islands of Lampedusa and Sicily. Migrants and asylum seekers suffer torture on their journey to their destination country, however, most of the time the signs are not always recognizable. In the present study, a scene investigation was carried out in a reception center for level II immigrants in Sicily, in order to evaluate the hygiene conditions of the migrants and asylum seekers inside this center. Subsequently 26 migrants and asylum seekers, all minors and males, were examined in a clinic of the Department of Forensic Medicine of the University of Catania, with the help of a native speaker interpreter and applying the Istanbul Protocol. The scene investigation demonstrated the poor clinical conditions of the reception center and the failure to comply with emergency regulations. The physical examination of the migrants and asylum seekers demonstrated that all the torture reported had taken place in Libya. However, only 4 migrants and asylum seekers showed signs of violence consistent with torture, compatible with the Istanbul Protocol. Nine migrants and asylum seekers (34.6 %) reported having pathologies and asked to undergo a medical examination in a hospital but were not listened to by the reception center staff. Two migrants and asylum seekers reported having worn the same clothes for several weeks to the reception center staff. In particular, all the migrants and asylum seekers reported having suffered torture using blunt instruments, especially beatings with truncheons. One migrant and asylum seeker reported being detained for days without food, instead 1 migrants and asylum seekers reported being kidnapped-blindfolded-stripped naked for days, and 1 migrants and asylum seekers reported having contracted infections, including scabies, with electrical and thermal trauma. Despite the international commitment to the phenomenon of migration, migrants and asylum seekers continue to receive abuse and torture. Furthermore, most migrants and asylum seekers studies primarily involve surveys, and few have applied the Istanbul Protocol to a sizable sample. An original aim of the study is the use of forensic tools to assess the sanitary and hygienic conditions of a migrant reception center, with the secondary aim of assessing alleged cases of torture.

Pattern Of Injuries In Driver And Pillion Rider In Fatal Cases Of Motorised Two Wheeler Accidents

Background: Road traffic injuries are the major health problems and leading cause of death and injury around the world. This study was conducted in order to observe the pattern of external injuries and internal injuries. In many set ups there may not be adequate facilities for investigations like imaging. If it is possible to know the common patterns in external and internal injuries it would be possible to give appropriate care and prioritise the treatment. Methods: An autopsy based prospective study was conducted during the period 2011 to 2013 in the Department of Forensic Medicine after obtaining ethical clearance The pattern of external and visceral injuries in cases of motorised two wheeler accidents were observed and documented. Conclusion: Out of 37 cases examined at autopsy Among external injuries Abrasions are commonly seen involving the whole body. Among Visceral injuries Contusions are seen more in Lungs followed by Kidney Spleen, Heart and Liver.Among laceration Liver has the most followed by lung and Spleen.

Estimation of Stature from Anthropometric Measurements of the Sternum in Nepalese Population at the Tertiary Health Care Hospital

Introduction: Stature estimation is crucial for identifying human remains in forensic and anthropological contexts, aiding in mass casualties, criminal investigations, and archaeological studies. Traditionally using long bones, alternative methods are necessary when these bones are unavailable or fragmented. Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to access the morphometric measurements of the study population and compare the findings between the two sexes. Method: A study of 100 medico-legal autopsies at Department of Forensic Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Nepal investigated stature estimation from sternal lengths. During autopsies, cadaver length was measured using a steel tape. An incision was made from the suprasternal notch to the pubis, the sternum was removed, and the combined manubrium and mesosternum length was measured with sliding callipers. Results: The study included 67 male and 33 female cadavers, with a mean age of 37.46 years. The mean length of the manubrium was 43.34 ± 6.88 mm (44.58 ± 7.15 mm for males, 40.81 ± 5.59 mm for females). The mesosternum averaged 101.85 ± 15.65 mm (104.40 ± 16.68 mm for males, 96.66 ± 11.92 mm for females). The combined sternal length was 146.12 ± 16.64 mm. Body length correlated weakly but significantly with manubrium, mesosternum, and combined sternal lengths (r = 0.242, 0.206, 0.320 respectively). Conclusion: Stature estimation from sternal length is valuable for identifying mass casualty victims, with males showing greater measurements. Combined manubrium and mesosternum lengths are better stature estimators.

Profile of Medico-legal Age Estimation Cases in a Tertiary Hospital in Kathmandu

Introduction: Medico-legal age estimation is the estimation of chronological age of an individual which is based upon analysis of physical development of the body, development of secondary sexual traits, tooth eruption, appearance of ossification centers of bones, and the degree of epiphyseal union. Chronological age of the subject whether a minor (less than 18 years) or an adult determines the fate of the case in the court of law. Objective: The present study revealed varied profiles of the perpetrator and the victim who came for medico-legal age estimation. Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine (IoM). The data of medico-legal age estimation of 5 years period was analyzed using the statistical software SPSS 20. Results: Total of 313 individuals were studied. Majority of the individuals were within the age group of 16-17 years. Males (70.3 %) outnumbered females (29.7 %). Theft (31.9 %) was common among subjects, followed by sexual assault (18.2 %) and majority of subjects (59.7%) came from Province 3. Sixty percent of the subject’s alleged age, matched the estimated ages. Conclusion: This study shows the status of children in crime which demands attention of concerned authority. Males were significantly involved in theft and females were victims of sexual assault. Forty percent of the alleged age given by the subject differed from the estimated age, to change the fate of the case. These results could greatly benefit the judiciary system of Nepal.

Retrospective Assessment of Legal Capacity After Death: Experience of Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine

Retrospective Assessment of Legal Capacity After Death: Experience of Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine

Profile of Homicidal Death Cases: One-Year Retrospective Study

Background: Homicide is regarded as a notorious crime against the society that causes intentional killing, aggravated assaults resulting in death. Nowadays, the incidence of homicide is increasing worldwide and it is a matter of great concern all over the world and it has significant consequence for both social and economic security of the people as well as national development. Objective: This study was aimed to describe the pattern homicidal behavior and the relationships among socio-demographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: A record-based retrospective cross-sectional study includes 180 cases of homicide out of the total of 1296 medico-legal autopsies conducted at Forensic Medicine Department of Dhaka Medical College during the year from July 2021 to June 2022. Results: A total number of 1296 medico-legal autopsies were conducted, of them 180(13.89%) cases were homicide and others (RTA, suicide, fall from height, poisoning, hanging, burn) were 1116(86.11%). Out of 180 homicidal death, most of them were 30-40 age group 66(36.67%), 144 cases were male (80 %) and 36 were female (20 %) whereas considering religion, the majority were Muslim 156 in number (86.67%) and the rest were of other religion. Among the homicidal death married were 150 (83.33%), in case of occupation most of them were Jobholder 39 (21.67%). According to the method of homicide, stab wound was the favorite homicide method used over victims 60(33.33%), 36(20%) cases were chop, 30(16.67%) cases were gunshot & strangulation and 24(13.33%) cases were others causes. Regarding place of residence of most of them were from Shahbag thana 108(60%). Conclusion: Stab wound was the favorite homicide method in Bangladesh and the most common age of the victims were 30-40 age group. The usefulness of the data in the scientific community is the database of homicide that should be advantageous for pathologists and forensic scientists work and particularly to be a guideline for homicide investigations in Bangladesh. KYAMC Journal Volume: 15, No: 01, April 2024: 25-28.

Forensic medical assessment of amusement park injuries

Objective: Amusement park injuries can cause significant harm, especially in children and adolescents. This study aims to evaluate the cases of amusement park injuries presented to the Forensic Medicine Department in Eskişehir/Turkey over a 10-year period, to publish the characteristics of the injuries and demographic data with the literature. Method: Cases of amusement park injuries presented to the Forensic Medicine Department of Eskişehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine(Turkey) between 2014-2023 were retrospectively evaluated. Age, gender, injury patterns, and the content of forensic reports of the cases were assessed. Results: Over the 10-year period, 12 cases of amusement park injuries were reported to our department. Eight cases were male and four were female, with the youngest case being 13 and the oldest 23 years old. Nine cases involved falls and dragging, two involved falls and being trapped under objects, and one involved being crushed. Six cases sustained injuries that could be managed with simple medical intervention, six required more extensive medical care, and one was life-threatening. Conclusion: Amusement park injuries are forensic cases. There is confusion regarding responsibility and legislation. Legal regulations and more effective inspections are needed for the legal process in injury cases. It is essential for physicians in emergency departments to recognize that amusement park injuries are forensic cases and report them accordingly. Keywords: Amusement Park, Injury, Forensic Medicine

Comparison of the occurrence and nature of infanticide in the 1930s, 1970s and today, in the materials of the Department of Forensic Medicine in Kraków

Aim: Analysis of the frequency of infanticides in years 1930s, 1970s and nowadays. Materials and methods: Section protocols collected at the Department of Forensic Medicine in Kraków from years 1930–1939, 1971–1980 and 2012–2021 were investigated. Cases of infanticides were gathered and analysed. Results: We analyzed 295 cases, 7 from years 2012–2021, 134 from years 1971–1980, and 154 from years 1930–1939. In years 2012–2021, 5 cases were certain infanticides (1 commision – active and 4 omissions – passive), in the other 2 cases, the abandoned carcass of a newborn was thoroughly decomposed. In 1970s, 46 cases were definite infanticides (19 commisions and 27 omissions). In 38 cases, due to significant damage to the corpse, it was impossible to determine the cause of death and to confirm infanticide. We also discovered 5 cases of stillborn, abandoned newborns. In 21 cases, the body of a child whose direct cause of death was the perinatal trauma was abandoned, and in 23 cases abandoned children were underdeveloped; one case was uncategorized. In 1930s, 40 cases were certain infanticides (15 commisions and 25 ommisions). In 30 cases, due to significant damage to the corpse, it was impossible to confirm or rule out infanticide. We discovered 6 cases of stillborn abandoned newborns. In 18 cases, the body of a child whose direct cause of death was perinatal trauma was abandoned, and in 60 cases abandoned children were underdeveloped and therefore unable to survive. Conclusions: Nowadays the infanticides are quite rare, however in 1970s they were quite common, occurring almost as often as in 1930s.

Age estimation from endochondral ossification pattern of thyroid cartilage in the population of Punjab

Objective: The present study aims at studying the ossification of thyroid cartilage and to compare it with age of the individual. Methods: The study was conducted in 300 samples of thyroid cartilage collected during autopsy in the department of Forensic medicine in a tertiary care hospital. Each thyroid cartilage is divided in to thirteen anatomical area and ossification in each defined area was studied through gross and cut section features and classified as ossified and not ossified areas. The samples were grouped in to seven groups of age and ossification features were compared between the age groups. Results: On analysing the ossification pattern of thyroid cartilage in thirteen defined anatomical areas and comparing it with the age, a peculiar sequence of ossification was noted, and it was also observed that frequency of ossification increases significantly with increasing age groups. Conclusion: Ossification of thyroid cartilage helps in establishing the age of individual and it can be categorised to an age group of ten years.

Pattern and distribution of gross atherosclerotic changes in the cerebral arteries, coronary arteries, and aorta in persons above the age of 30 years in north kerala - an autopsy-based study.

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has emerged as a pervasive source of illness and a prominent factor in death rates throughout the majority of nations. Atherosclerosis has been identified as the primary cause of this global health concern. Methods: 150 cases older than 30 years were subjected to medicolegal autopsy in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Kannur. During a medicolegal autopsy, while dissecting the aorta, coronary arteries and cerebral arteries; gross macroscopic changes brought on by atherosclerosis were examined and documented. Results: The study group consisted primarily of males (62.7%) with an average age of 46.90±16.34 years. Nearly half of them were in their fourth and fifth decades of life. A total of 67 instances were diagnosed with atherosclerosis, with 22 of them falling within the age range of 40 to 49 years. 79 percent of these incidents involved males. Conclusion: Atherosclerosis is becoming increasingly recognized as the primary cause of around one-third of all fatalities in India. Conducting a study on atherosclerosis in living individuals is challenging, as it requires invasive and costly procedures. This is particularly true in underdeveloped nations. Therefore, autopsies are crucial for documenting the occurrence of atherosclerosis in the population. This study will assist doctors in evaluating the overall arterial health of patients and developing therapeutic protocols and courses of treatment. Additionally, it will aid forensic pathologists in determining the cause of death in cases of sudden death.

Comparative Analysis of Drowning Index: Relevance in Drowning Deaths versus Non-Drowning Asphyxial Deaths

Drowning remains a significant cause of mortality worldwide, necessitating accurate diagnostic tools for forensic investigation. This paper conducts a comparative analysis of the Drowning Index (DI) to ascertain its relevance in distinguishing drowning deaths from non-drowning asphyxial deaths. Drowning deaths present a challenge for forensic pathologists, because the autopsy findings may occur in many non-drowning scenarios. Previous studies have attempted to identify patterns in organ weights that may be specific for drowning. The drowning index has been defined as the weight ratio of the lungs and pleural effusion fluid to the spleen. We compared the lung and pleural effusion weight, spleen weight, and DI from 124 autopsies of asphyxia deaths including both drowning deaths and non-drowning asphyxia deaths such as hanging, strangulation, suffocation and mechanical asphyxia at the department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at the Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal from January 2021 to August 2022. Findings highlight the potential utility of the DI as a valuable adjunctive tool in forensic investigations, providing insights into its comparative efficacy in differentiating drowning from other modes of asphyxial deaths. Such insights are critical for enhancing accuracy in forensic diagnoses and contributing to advancements in medicolegal death investigations.

A Prospective Study Of Histo-Pathological Changes In Lungs, Liver And Kidneys In Burns Cases Autopsied At A Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Medico legal deaths including burns claim a substantial number of lives in central Karnataka.‘A Prospective Study of Histo-Pathological changes in Lungs, Liver and Kidneys in Burns Cases’ was carried out at the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, SS hospital, SSIMS & RC, Davangere. Material & methods: The present study was carried out for the period of 3 years from January 2021 to December2023. Totally 100 cases with burns and scalds injuries brought to the mortuary for autopsy was the material for study and collection of tissues for histopathological examination. Observations & Results: In the present study, histopathological changes in lungs showed congestion, pulmonary edema, Diffuse alveolar damage or ARDS changes, bronchopneumonia, interstitial pneumonitis, anthracotic pigment, carbon laden macrophages, intravascular thrombi, septic emboli, interstitial & intra alveolar hemorrhage. Histopathological changes in liver showed congestion, fatty change, centrilobular necrosis, cloudy swelling, focal hemorrhage, necrosis, portal inflammation. Histopathological changes in kidneys showed ATN in majority of cases, cloudy degeneration, congestion, tubular casts and acute pyelonephritis in rest of the cases. Conclusion: The effect of burns on vital organs can be assessed through histopathological examination, which helps in determining the post burn complications and which aid in better treatment outcome of the burn’s patients.

Intracranial injuries in the autopsy material of the Department of Forensic Medicine of the Medical University of Lodz with analysis of anatomical lesions caused by traumatic brain injuries

BackgroundIn 2022, 408 autopsies were performed in the Department of Forensic Medicine of the Lodz Medical University, of which as many as 82 concerned deaths with intracranial injuries, which represents about 20 % of all performed autopsies. AimThe article presents a comparative analysis of deaths of people with intracranial injuries in terms of frequency, the structure of victims (gender, age, sobriety), type of injury (intracranial bleeding, bruises of nerve tissue, nerve tissue tears, posttraumatic brain oedema, etc.), causes and circumstances of death, place of death (house, hospital, street) survival time, type of tool/object used, and the obtained data were compared with publications from other departments of forensic medicine. ResultsThe victims were definitely male. Regarding age, deaths mainly concerned people between 31 and 70. The most common cause of death was multi-organ injuries, craniocerebral, intracranial and the least other injuries. Regarding the circumstances of the deaths, most of the cases were accidents; the fewest were homicides.

Impact of Psychological Abuse, Physical Abuse, Sexual Abuse, and Neglect During Childhood on Criminal Behavior among Prisoners at Forensic Mental Health Department

Introduction: Childhood maltreatment, including physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect, has been consistently linked to a higher likelihood of aggressive and criminal behaviour in adulthood. This phenomenon, often referred to as the "cycle of violence," perpetuates across generations. Furthermore, victimization during childhood can lead to a broad range of mental health problems, including personality disorders, psychosis, schizophrenia, and substance abuse. These issues are particularly prevalent among individuals within the forensic mental health system. Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the impact of psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect during childhood on criminal behaviour among prisoners at forensic mental health department. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to determine the impact of child abuse on criminal behaviour among prisoners in the Forensic Medicine Department. The study was during the period from December 19, 2022 to 15th of July 2024. The research has been carried out at Baghdad City's Al-Rashad Training Hospital. non-probability purposive sample procedures, this study sampling method relied on our judgment when identifying and selecting prisoners in the forensic medicine department, after their consent, who could provide the best information to achieve the objectives of the study. We choose purposive sampling because we want to focus in depth on relatively small samples (150) to get the most accurate results. a purposive sample of (110) prisoners was selected from Al-Rashad Training Hospital. Results: The findings indicate that prisoners having moderate to high level of psychological abuse during childhood among items. Prisoners having moderate to high level of physical abuse during childhood among items. The findings indicate that prisoners having moderate to high level of sexual abuse during childhood among items. The prisoners having moderate to high level of neglect during childhood among items. The prisoners have high level of criminal behaviour. There are significant relationships between (psychological, physical, sexual abuse) during childhood and criminal behaviour. Conclusions: Prisoners experience a moderate to high level of psychological abuse, physical abuse, and neglect during childhood, and the prisoners also experience a moderate to high level of sexual abuse during childhood.

Age differences in the prosecution of child abuse cases.

Evidence in child abuse cases can be scarce and is often centred around the child's testimony. However, child testimony varies with the child's development. Here, an overview of suspects, case decisions and court verdicts from a cohort of children is presented, stratified across children aged 0-3, 4-7, 8-11, and 12-15 years. Children seen at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark, in 2001-2013 were analysed, including all case files from the police, courts and healthcare services. A total of 647 cases were presented. The most frequent suspect was the child's parents. The police referred to the prosecutor in 69% of all cases, and 37% were tried in court. The lowest proportion of cases of tried cases was found among children aged 0-3 years (20%) and the highest among children aged 8-11 years (57%). Across ages, no corroborating evidence, the accused's refusal of guilt and no case to pursue (insufficient strong evidence) were the most frequent reasons for case closure. Cases relating to children aged 0-3 years were frequently dismissed because the fault could not be placed, whereas cases relating to children aged 12-15 were frequently rejected because of lacking evidence of compulsion (non-consent). Results show variations across ages regarding children tried in court and case dismissal. A dedicated child court may be considered to ensure equal access to justice. Questioning during the forensic examination and the use of psychologists may strengthen the available evidence. These materials have received financial support from the Danish Victims Fund. The execution, content and results of the materials are the sole responsibility of the authors. The analysis and viewpoints made evident from the materials belong to the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Council of The Danish Victims Fund. Not relevant.

Impact of Teaching Methods on Clinical Reasoning in Forensic Medicine: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

To compare the effectiveness of flipped classroom and video-assisted learning techniques with didactic lectures in promoting clinical reasoning skills in Forensic Medicine. Quasi-experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Forensic Medicine, Dow International Medical College and Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan, from May to October 2023. The study included 114 third-year medical students divided into three predefined tutorial groups. Over four weeks, within the Forensic Medicine respiratory module, each group was taught one topic per week using a distinct teaching strategy: Traditional lectures (TL) for the first group, flipped classroom (FC) method for the second group, and video-assisted teaching (VAT) for the third group. Students' learning achievements and clinical reasoning skills were assessed through a pre-test, post-test, and revision post-test. Pre-test scores showed no significant differences among the groups (p = 0.655). However, post-test scores differed significantly (F2:111 = 11.93, p <0.001). Tukiye's test indicated that the mean score for the FC group was significantly different from the TL group (p = 0.003) and the VAT group (p <0.001), but there was no significant difference between the TL and VAT groups (p = 0.422). The revision post-test indicated a significant decrease in mean scores across all groups, regardless of the instructional approach (p <0.001). The FC approach for teaching clinical reasoning in Forensic Medicine shows promising results, effectively improving student performance and learning experience. Flipped classroom, Video-assisted teaching, Clinical reasoning, Forensic Medicine teaching.

ORGAN WEIGHT VARIATIONS IN CASES OF DROWNING IN FRESH WATER IN COMPARISION WITH NON-DROWNING DEATHS

Background: Diagnosis of drowning as a cause of death still remains a challenge in forensic pathology due to scanty pathognomic signs. Traditional diagnostic methods have shown limitations, prompting interest and pursuit on alternative approaches. One such approach involves analysing the weight of internal organs, particularly the lungs and spleen, to provide additional supportive evidence. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the variations in organ weights in wet fresh water drowning cases compared to deaths due to other causes and assess the utility of the drowning index as a diagnostic tool. Methods: The study analyzed the findings in 245 cases,that were brought to the Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Kozhikode for medico-legal autopsy. It included 83 cases of hanging, 71 cases of wet fresh water drowning and 91 cases of traumatic brain injury. Lung, spleen and other organ weights were measured using an electronic scale. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 18 with focus on comparative analysis across the different types. Results: The results showed a significant increase in weight of lungs and a decrease in spleen weight in persons who had died of drowning when compared to other causes of death. However, the drowning index, though elevated in drowning cases, did not consistently surpass the established diagnostic threshold, suggesting variability and potential limitations in its application as a reliable diagnostic marker. Conclusion: Variations in weights of lungs and spleen can provide valuable clues in the diagnosis of drowning, but their diagnostic utility as a stand alone criteria is limited to a certain extent by case-to-case variability. The drowning index demonstrates potential as a supplementary diagnostic tool but requires further validation through more extensive studies to improve its reliability and accuracy.

Suspicion of needle pricking/spiking in 2022 in Paris, France, an observational study from the Department of Forensic Medicine

BackgroundNeedle pricking, the act of being intentionally pricked by an assailant, and needle spiking, the covert injection of substances using a needle, have historical precedents and recently resurfaced in Europe in 2022. This resurgence presented a challenge for emergency and forensic medicine departments. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study in the forensic medicine department of Paris, France, including all patients who consulted for suspected needle pricking/spiking in 2022, following a police report. The study aimed to provide epidemiological data on victims, circumstances, and the results of toxicologic and serological analyses. FindingsOf all assault victims in 2022, patients reporting or suspecting needle pricking/spiking represented 1.2 % of the total (171 cases). Most cases involved women (81.9 %) with a median age of 21.75 years. Incidents often occurred in festive contexts (84.8 %). Over a third of the patients didn't report any symptoms (37.5 %). Amnesia, nausea, and dizziness were common symptoms among those who did. Patients reporting alcohol consumption were more likely to experience symptoms (p < 0.05). Over half of the patients displayed physical examinations consistent with needle pricking, with pricks mostly on their arms. Not all patients underwent toxicologic analyses (30.6 %), but all results were negative. Despite most patients not providing follow-up serology results, all received results were negative. InterpretationOverall, our data are more suggestive of needle pricking than spiking. Although women were overrepresented, there was no evidence of sexual motivation on the part of the perpetrators. It's possible that the perpetrators wanted to instill fear in the population without a specific goal. This form of violence necessitates preventive measures in festive venues and enhanced efforts to detect psychoactive substance.