Effect of Cause of Death on Postmortem Cerebrospinal Fluid Electrolytes (K+, Na+and Cl-) Concentration

Abstract

Objective: To find out the effect of cause of death on postmortem Sodium, Potassium and Chloride levels in cerebrospinal fluid.

Study Design: Observational study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Forensic Medicine Department, King Edward Medical University (KEMU), Lahore for a period of 6 months from December 2013 to June 2014.

Materials and Methods: Medicolegal autopsy cases were included in which the exact cause and time of death were known. A total number of consecutive 106 samples were collected. Unknown and putrefied dead bodies, Poisoning cases and Cases with head injuries were not included. Study was completed in 6 months.

Results: The K⁺, Na⁺and Cl^- levels are significantly affected by certain causes of death.

Conclusion: Biochemistry of Cerebrospinal Fluid alone may not be very useful in postmortem interval estimation.