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Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology
Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology 2/2016

01-06-2016 | Original Article

Catecholamines and their O-methylated metabolites in vitreous humor in hypothermia cases

Authors: Tania Hervet, Grzegorz Teresiński, Petr Hejna, Emilienne Descloux, Eric Grouzmann, Cristian Palmiere

Published in: Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology | Issue 2/2016

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of catecholamines and their O-methylated metabolites in vitreous humor samples in identifying antemortem cold exposure and fatal hypothermia in the forensic casework.

Methods

A total of 80 autopsy cases (40 hypothermia fatalities and 40 cases in which hypothermia as the main or contributory cause of death was excluded) were selected for this study. Catecholamines and their O-methylated metabolites were measured in urine and vitreous humor samples collected at autopsy.

Results

Urine catecholamine and their O-methylated metabolite concentrations were significantly higher in hypothermia-related deaths. On the other hand, measurements in vitreous humor samples did not reveal statistically significant differences between hypothermia-related deaths and controls.

Conclusions

Globally considered, our findings seem to suggest that, contrary to urine catecholamines and their O-methylated metabolites, vitreous levels of these compounds appear to be of limited value in characterizing human antemortem stress reactions due to cold exposure and can hardly be used in the forensic setting to support the diagnosis of hypothermia.
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Metadata
Title
Catecholamines and their O-methylated metabolites in vitreous humor in hypothermia cases
Authors
Tania Hervet
Grzegorz Teresiński
Petr Hejna
Emilienne Descloux
Eric Grouzmann
Cristian Palmiere
Publication date
01-06-2016
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Forensic Science, Medicine and Pathology / Issue 2/2016
Print ISSN: 1547-769X
Electronic ISSN: 1556-2891
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-016-9764-2

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