ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 July 1983
Page Count: 6

Vitreous Humor Chemistry in Deaths Associated with Rapid Chilling and Prolonged Freshwater Immersion
Blackbourne, BD
Chief medical examiner and deputy chief medical examiner, District of Columbia

Luke, JL
Chief medical examiner and deputy chief medical examiner, District of Columbia

Bray, M
Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, DC

(Received 16 November 1982; accepted 11 January 1983)

Abstract

Vitreous humor chemistry studies were performed on 13 air crash victims who had remained immersed in near-freezing fresh water for seven to eight days. Glucose concentrations were observed to be higher than those in a comparison group of autopsied cases with prolonged postmortem intervals, suggesting that rapid chilling inhibited glycolysis. Evidence of dilution of vitreous humor electrolytes was also noted. After correction for the apparent degree of dilution, the potassium concentrations were found to fall within a narrow range.

Keywords:
pathology and biology, vitreous humor, death, chilling, glycolysis, postmortem interval

Paper ID: JFS11553J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS11553J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.