comparative-study on enzymatic changes in the serum and synovial fluid at early post-mortem period

ABSTRACT

In this study, postmortem blood and synovial fluid samples were taken from 50 cadavers, from Zeinhom's mortuary. Their medico-legal reports were revised thoroughly to obtain the precise time of death. Serum and synovial fluid samples were analyzed and the levels of the following enzymes were estimated. Alkaline phosphatase [Alk. Ph], Aspartate aminotransferase [AST] Alanine aminotransferse [ALT] and Lactate dehydrogenaze [LDH]. Postmortem serum and synovial fluid samples were grouped according to postmortem interval [the time of samples withdrawal in the first twelve hours ostmortem]. This study showed that the values of Alk. Ph. AST, ALT and LDH increased progressively until 12 hours P.M. It was observed that, there was no significant difference between the mean enzyme levels in the serum and synovial fluid. It is suggested that the mean enzyme levels in the synovial fluid can be used to predict their levels in the serum with much reliability. Moreover, synovial fluid can be easily obtained and does not generate cosmetic problems. It is concluded that synovial fluid analysis can provide useful information in autopsy cases in which suitable blood or urine specimens can not be obtained