Disorders of glucose metabolism: post mortem analyses in forensic cases--part II

Int J Legal Med. 2011 Mar;125(2):171-80. doi: 10.1007/s00414-010-0510-0. Epub 2010 Oct 7.

Abstract

In continuation to part I, a literature review is presented concerning biochemical problems of forensic post mortem cases of unclear hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia. Clinical parameters for this purpose were recently reviewed. Particular attention was paid to the detection of diabetic ketoacidosis, of hyperosmolar coma, insulinoma, insulin-induced or oral diabetic-induced hypoglycaemia. The second part of the review discusses the analytes ketone bodies, synthetic insulins, human insulin, C-peptide, proinsulin and insulin antibodies. Special interest is given to post mortem matrices for those analytes to reference concentrations, stability data, analytic interferences and analytical procedures which should be used in toxicological laboratories willing to detect diabetic metabolism disorders after death.

MeSH terms

  • C-Peptide / blood
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis / diagnosis
  • Drug Overdose
  • Forensic Pathology
  • Glucose Metabolism Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Insulin / blood
  • Insulin / pharmacokinetics
  • Insulin / poisoning
  • Ketone Bodies / blood
  • Postmortem Changes*
  • Proinsulin / blood

Substances

  • C-Peptide
  • Insulin
  • Ketone Bodies
  • Proinsulin