Precision of estimating the time since death by vitreous potassium—Comparison of 5 different equations. (December 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ortmann, Jan; Markwerth, Philipp; Madea, Burkhard
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 269(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 7
• Publication Date: 2016-12
• Subjects: Potassium -- Vitreous humor -- Precision of death time estimation; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.10.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: There is a huge literature on the postmortem rise of vitreous potassium. Clear data on the precision of death time estimation are missing. We compare 5 formulas for estimating the time since death by vitreous potassium. The best results were obtained using equations with "mean" slopes. In other climate zones equations with a steeper or flatter slope may be better. Abstract: The precision of death time estimation by vitreous potassium using 5 different formulas is compared on a random sample of 600 cases. Mean differences, standard deviations and 95% limits of confidence between real and extrapolated time since death were calculated. The best results were obtained using equations with "mean" slopes of about 0, 17 or 0, 19 mmol/l per hour. Equations with a steeper or flatter slope reveal already great mean deviations between real and extrapolated time since death and do not allow a reliable death time estimation.