Patterns of cause of death in unknown dead bodies a three year study in a tertiary care hospital.

Opinion about the cause of death in unknown dead bodies is a test of ability of the Forensic expert and on many occasions yields little or no results. The reasons may be inadequate/no history, disinterested Investigating officers unwilling to properly work out the case, partial/complete decomposition/destruction/mutilation of the body, etc. In such cases, identification of the body as such poses problems; rest aside the opinion regarding the cause/manner of death. The present 3 year study was undertaken to find the cause of death and the pattern of causes of death in unknown dead bodies, as well as the efforts made to establish the identity in these cases. Unidentified bodies comprised 4% of the total 1577 cases brought for postmortem examination to the department. Maximum number of cases belonged to the age group 41 -50 years, 35%. Majority of the opinions regarding the cause of death were given as cranio-cerebral damage, 30%, followed by “no definite opinion”, 28%. Viscera for chemical analysis were sent in 24%, histopathology in 8% and for both chemical analysis and histopathology, in 27% cases.

Detection of ranitidine by thin layer chromatography technique: A case study.

In one case, viscera of a lady was received, who expired following injection given by doctor in urban area. After conducting elaborate analysis data were found similar to Ranitidine. Hence, it was thought worthwhile to concentrate on this drug .The present paper describes the extraction of Ranitidine from visceral material and its identification by thin layer chromatography using suitable solvent system and potassium iodo bismuthate as locating reagent.