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01-03-2005 | Case Report

Heat stroke in an incubator: an immunohistochemical study in a fatal case

Authors: Vittorio Fineschi, Stefano D’Errico, Margherita Neri, Fernando Panarese, Pietro A. Ricci, Emanuela Turillazzi

Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine | Issue 2/2005

Abstract

The authors report the unique case of an 8-day-old infant succumbing to heat stroke caused by an abnormal increase of the environmental temperature in an incubator. At postmortem examination, second-degree burns were detected, and macroscopic and microscopic findings were typical for a heat-related death. An immunohistochemical study was performed. At the same time, a detailed examination of the incubator was conducted, revealing a malfunctioning of the temperature and relative humidity control system. We suggest that the diagnosis of heat stroke has to be confirmed on the basis of a detailed postmortem examination and a complete immunohistochemical investigation of heat shock proteins, molecules produced acutely in response to heat stress.

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Title: Heat stroke in an incubator: an immunohistochemical study in a fatal case
Authors: Vittorio Fineschi
Stefano D’Errico
Margherita Neri
Fernando Panarese
Pietro A. Ricci
Emanuela Turillazzi
Publication date: 01-03-2005
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: International Journal of Legal Medicine / Issue 2/2005
Print ISSN: 0937-9827
Electronic ISSN: 1437-1596
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-004-0498-4

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Heat stroke in an incubator: an immunohistochemical study in a fatal case

Abstract

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