ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Published Online: 1 September 2004
Page Count: 4

Estimation of Caloric Deficit in a Fatal Case of Starvation Resulting from Child Neglect
Koyama, H
University Graduate School of Medical Sciences,

Monma-Ohtaki, J
University Graduate School of Medical Sciences,

Zhe, LX
University Graduate School of Medical Sciences,

Iwasa, M
Faculty of Care and Rehabilitation, Seijoh University,

Nagao, M
University Graduate School of Medical Sciences,

Kawashima, N
University Graduate School of Medical Sciences,

Yano, T
Toba Coast Guard Office, 4th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters,

Maeno, Y
University Graduate School of Medical Sciences,

Seko-Nakamura, Y
University Graduate School of Medical Sciences,

(Received 31 December 2003; accepted 3 April 2004)

Abstract

We report the case of a 3-year-20-day-old girl who died of starvation as a result of severe neglect. Her body weight had been 12 kg 70 days before her death, but was only 5 kg at the time of autopsy. From information supplied by her parents to police, we calculated her daily caloric intake and estimated the factors for physical activity. The daily recommended dietary allowance for the victim was calculated from 700 kcal/day × the appropriate factor for physical activity.

In the absence of enough food, body fat (7.2 kcal/g body fat) and protein (4 kcal/g protein) would have been used to compensate until death. The calculated body weight at the time of death was around 5 kg. The statements of the parents therefore appear to be true.

Keywords:
forensic science, child abuse, neglect, starvation, caloric deficit

Paper ID: JFS2003426
DOI: 10.1520/JFS2003426
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.