Journal Published Online: 01 October 1972
Volume 17, Issue 4

Suicidal Insulin Poisoning with Nine Day Survival: Recovery in Bile at Autopsy by Radioimmunoassay

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The discovery of insulin fifty years ago enabled doctors to successfully treat an eleven year old boy dying from diabetes mellitus and thereby ushered in a new medical era. While millions of subsequent patients were thus able to lead productive lives, others tunred this miraculous substance into self-destructive purposes, while a few attempted (and possibly succeeded in) carefully concealed homicidal undertakings. The first “murder by insulin” case, prosecuted with a conviction in Great Britain fifteen years ago, employed a laborious bioassay method to demonstrate the hormone at the site of injection [1]. A recent series of insulin poisonings in California was dependent on pathologi changes in the brain from anoxia (hypoglycemia) coupled with history and investigation rather than chemical measurements, although an immunoassay method was used for confirmation in the final case [2]. Instances of suicidal attempts by self-administered insulin have been reported with analyses performed by radioimmunoassay, now employed in clinical laboratories to measure many hormonal and therapeutic substances [3]. We have applied this principle from pathologic and toxicologic aspects in an effort to enhance the diagnostic capability of the forensic pathologist, who must examine and properly certify such deaths.

Author Information

Sturner, WQ
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas and the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences
Putnam, RS
The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas and the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS10139J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS10139J