Unraveling the mysteries of decomposition: an in-depth look at thanatokymy
Keywords:
TANATOQUIMIA; CAMBIOS POSTMORTEM; TANATOLOGÍA; DIAGNÓSTICO POSTMORTEM. , THANATOKYMY; POSTMORTEM CHANGES; THANATOLOGY; POSTMORTEM DIAGNOSIS.Abstract
Introduction: thanatochemistry is the discipline that studies the biochemical changes and evolution that occur in the cadaver, providing valuable information to support forensic diagnosis and the determination of the cause of death.
Objective: to analyze the different chemical compounds that are generated or modified in the human body after death, and their analysis to estimate the postmortem interval and the circumstances of death.
Methods: a literature review was conducted between January and February 2024 across various databases, which allowed the selection of 30 bibliographic sources after applying selection criteria. These sources were subsequently reviewed for critical analysis.
Development: thanatochemical determinations allow the identification of metabolites and decomposition products after death, providing information on causes and postmortem events. A challenge is the absence of databases to distinguish normal from pathological values. Among the most useful fluids, vitreous humor stands out as the ideal compartment for estimating the postmortem interval, especially through potassium measurement. Other samples include synovial fluid, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood.
Conclusions: chemical changes after death can be identified through thanatochemistry. Vitreous humor is a reliable matrix, providing key information to estimate postmortem intervals and strengthen forensic and judicial investigations.
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