Postmortem investigation of serum myoglobin levels with special reference to electrical fatalities

Forensic Sci Int. 1995 Apr 27;72(3):171-7. doi: 10.1016/0379-0738(95)01697-h.

Abstract

The serum myoglobin levels of 58 fatalities were investigated with special reference to correlations of the myoglobin-concentrations with the postmortem interval, the site of blood sampling and the cause of death (especially concerning death caused by electric current). An increase of the myoglobin values with the passage of postmortem time is obvious. The topographical sampling site plays an important role; the highest concentrations are found adjacent to striated muscles (i.e. in blood from the heart or the femoral vein). There was no significant correlation of myoglobin values and death by electric current.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Cause of Death
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Electric Injuries / blood*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Myoglobin / blood*
  • Postmortem Changes*

Substances

  • Myoglobin