ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the features of autopsy cases involved in electronic weapon (TASER) in the State of Maryland, and to discuss the appraisable points.@*METHODS@#Thirteen autopsy cases involving TASER were collected from 2004 to 2011 in the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Maryland. All the cases include detailed scene investigations, complete autopsy, toxicological analysis and histopathological examination. Statistical analysis were conducted including general information of victim, type of TASER, type of contact, toxicological results, manner and cause of death.@*RESULTS@#Majority of victims were male with an acute onset of agitated and delusional behavior. Drugs were often involved. Deaths were attributed to multiple factors.@*CONCLUSION@#Most of cases involved in TASER resulted from multiple fatal factors. Further researches are needed for the principal mechanism. Thorough scene investigation and complete autopsy examination play crucial role in evaluation of such cases.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Autopsy/methods , Cause of Death , Cocaine/analysis , Conducted Energy Weapon Injuries/etiology , Forensic Pathology , Maryland/epidemiology , Mental Disorders/complications , Phencyclidine/analysis , Retrospective Studies , Substance-Related Disorders/complications , Trauma Severity IndicesABSTRACT
During the past two decades tremendous efforts have been made by the medical community, especially in the fields of forensic medicine and pediatrics, to better understand the etiology, epidemiology and pathophysiology of SIDS. There have been many SIDS reports from developed countries, but few from developing Asian countries. Despite a recent significant decrease in the incidence of SIDS in many developed countries, SIDS continues to be the most common cause of post-neonatal infant death in these countries. This article analyzes the SIDS data (1990-2006) from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland, USA, along with review of the literature with regard to the history, epidemiological and pathophysiological characteristics of SIDS, as well as the recent advances in SIDS research. The changing trends in the diagnosis of SIDS and current challenges to its forensic investigation are also discussed.