Detection of Metabolites of Vecuronium Bromide in Visceral Samples Solves A Typical Death Mystery- (Toxicokinetics- Studies Using Gc-Ms Technique).

Introduction: On Sudden death of a medical student (20 year old girl) of National Institute of Medical Science autopsy materials along with site of injection were sent to F.S.L. It was informed during investigation that the girl took tetanus vaccine before death. In crime scene investigation Forensic Team observed that it was a case of gross negligence of dispensing wrong injection. Material: Tests were performed on viscera material viz., liver, spleen, kidney, lungs, brain, skin and blood etc. Mystery of suspected death was solved when a new GC-MS application was designed to get the unknown drug and various fragments of extracted material were studied. Method: A new method was developed on gas-chromatography-mass spectrophotometer and TL.C using various solvent systems is explained. Results: Metabolite fragments of vecuronium bromide a muscle relaxant were surprisingly observed in Viscera material, Blood sample and Skin piece from Leftt cubital fossa from this young girl, whose death is questioned. Conclusion: Structural elucidations of fragments provide a new approach to toxicokinetics. Th e explanation of fragments obtained were structurally compared with other neuromuscular blocking groups like atracurium and succinyl choline Th e presence of bromide attached cholest-5-en-Br, hydroxylated cholest-5-en-ol as hydroxylated product, acetylated fragments as cholest-5-enacetate and piperidone-2-one present in visceral samples indicates structural part obtained from vecuronium bromide drug. Th ese metabolites studies makes the case studies highly informative. Beside this new method of extractions, TLC systems and colouring reagents are also explained.

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.

Toxicology unit in department of forensic medicine emphasis from a study from North East India.

In suspected poisoning cases the final opinion as to the cause of death is generally kept pending till receipt of the chemical analysis report from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). Cases of suspected poisoning deaths from Kamrup district coming to the GMCH morgue were studied from 1st August 2008 to 31st August 2009 with aim of analyzing the time consumed at various levels. A total of 2592 autopsies were performed during study period and in 160 cases viscera were preserved. Viscera Report of 60 is awaited as on 1st November 2009. 31 cases gave positive results for poison and 69 cases gave negative report. In 21.9% of cases police took more than a month to take the samples to SFSL and in more than 47.5% cases SFSL took >2 months to convey report. In nearly all cases the final opinion as to the cause of death was given the same day on which the report was received. So, establishment of Toxicological Laboratories in Dept of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology can minimize this delay.