The PERFORM-P (Principles of Evidence-based Reporting in FORensic Medicine-Pathology version).

INTRODUCTION: Most findings of forensic pathology examinations are presented as written reports. There are currently no internationally accepted recommendations for writing forensic pathology reports. Existing recommendations are also varied and reflect the differences in the scope and role of forensic medical services and local settings in which they are to be implemented. The legal fact-finder thus faces wide variation in the quality of forensic pathology reports, which poses a threat to the reliability of legal decision-making. To address this issue, the development of the "PERFORM-P (Principles of Evidence-based Reporting in FORensic Medicine-Pathology version)" was undertaken. The goal of the PERFORM-P is to provide common practice recommendations adaptable to local requirements to promote evidence-based practice (EBP) in forensic pathology. METHODS: An international consensus study was conducted in three phases by (1) developing a long-list of items to be considered in the reporting recommendations, (2) conducting a Delphi process (an iterative survey method to transform individual opinions into group consensus) with international forensic pathologists, and (3) designing the PERFORM-P prototype and its accompanying manual. RESULTS: With assistance from 106 forensic pathologists/forensic medical practitioners from 41 countries, the PERFORM-P was developed. The PERFORM-P consists of a list of 61 items to be included in a forensic pathology report, which is accompanied by its Explanation and Elaboration (E&E) document. DISCUSSION: To prepare forensic pathology (postmortem) reports that incorporate principles of evidence-based practice, internationally accepted recommendations might be helpful. The PERFORM-P identifies recommendations for necessary elements to include in a forensic pathology report. PERFORM-P can be applied to a wide range of matters requiring forensic pathological analysis, acceptable to forensic pathologists from a representative selection of jurisdictions and medico-legal systems.

European council of legal medicine (ECLM) guidelines for the examination of suspected elder abuse.

Article 25 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union (adopted in Nice on 7 December 2000) recognizes and respects the rights of older people to lead a life of dignity and independence and to participate in social and cultural life. It also highlights the importance of prevention and recognition of elder abuse, especially since exposure to violence is likely as the population ages, either in familial or in institutional settings. Elder abuse has some issues in common with child abuse but in spite of this fact currently is less recognized. Health professionals have a major role to play in early detection and management of cases of elder abuse. This protocol summarizes some key concepts and approaches to assist in the timely detection and investigation of elder abuse cases by healthcare professionals and forensic practitioners.

Healthcare issues of detainees in police custody in London, UK.

Little is known about the general healthcare needs of detainees in police custody. The aims of this study were to: determine the level of general health issues, diseases and/or pathology for detainees in police custody, and to determine how well those general health issues, diseases and/or pathology are being managed. This was done by a detailed analysis of healthcare issues of a cohort of detainees and reviewing intended and prescribed medication needs with current medication availability. In August 2007, a prospective detailed, anonymised, structured questionnaire survey was undertaken of 201 detainees in police custody in London, UK. Of these 83.6% consented to participate in the study. 85.1% of subjects were male; mean age was 33.9 years; 70.8% had English as a first language; 13.7% were of no fixed abode; 70.2% were registered with a general practitioner (primary care physician); 25% were already in contact with other healthcare teams; 7.1% had previously been sectioned under the Mental Health Act 1983; 16.7% had previously intentionally self-injured; 33.9% were dependent on heroin, 33.9% on crack cocaine; 25% on alcohol, 16.6% on benzodiazepines and 63.1% on cigarettes. 56% of subjects had active medical conditions; of those with active medical conditions 74% were prescribed medication for those medical conditions; only 3/70 had their medication available. 28/70 were not taking medication regularly, and many were not taking it at all. Three subjects who had deep vein thromboses were not taking their prescribed anticoagulants and six subjects with severe mental health issues were not taking their anti-psychotic medication. Mental health issues and depression predominated, but there was a very large range of mixed diseases and pathology. Asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, hepatitis, and hypertension were all represented. The study has achieved its aims and has also shown that--in part because of the chaotic lifestyle of many detainees--appropriate care was not being rendered, thereby, putting both detainee, and potentially others coming into contact with them, at risk.

Provision of forensic medical services to police custody suites in England and Wales: current practice.

INTRODUCTION: Police services within England and Wales are required under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 to ensure appropriate healthcare to those detained in police custody (forensic medical services). Traditionally doctors have been used by police services to provide an appropriate level of care. Changes within the Act allowed other healthcare professionals (nurses and paramedics and emergency care practitioners) to be included in the provision of such services. The aim of this appears at least in part to have been to reduce the costs of providing such a service. In recent years police services within England and Wales have been outsourced to assorted commercial providers. There are now several different modes of delivery of forensic medical services, which are determined locally by separate police services. AIMS: This study aimed (a) to determine the different modes of delivery of forensic medical services in England and Wales; (b) to determine the healthcare workload caused by Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 Codes of Practice; (c) to determine the relative costs of different service models and (d) to determine availability of such information from the police services. METHODS: The study was undertaken in two parts--(a) a telephone survey of all police services, and (b) an application to each police service utilising the Freedom of Information Act 2000. RESULTS: All police services (n=43) in England and Wales were contacted. Of the 41 forces that furnished detailed information; 13/41 had a doctor only service; 20/41 had a doctor/nurse service; 6/41 had a doctor/nurse/paramedic service; 1/41 had a doctor/emergency care practitioner service (who may be nurses or paramedic); 1/41 had a doctor/paramedic service. 23/43 services were outsourced to private commercial providers. Mean cost per patient contact (in 17/43 services which supplied data) was GBP 97.25. The cheapest cost per patient contact was the Metropolitan Police Service - a doctor only service (GBP 56.4), the highest Lincolnshire--a doctor only service (GBP 151.1). Mean cost for a doctor only service was GBP 97.1; for a doctor/nurse service--GBP 91.56 and for a doctor/nurse/paramedic service--GBP 115.76. There was no significant difference in costs per patient contact between a doctor only versus mixed HCP delivery of service. Relative costs and 95% confidence intervals expressed as a percentage show that a doctor only model was on average 3.4% lower than a mixed HCP provision, and that a non-outsourced service was on average 9.9% less than an outsourced service. No outsourced service in this study uses a doctor only model. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that there was a complete lack of consistency in the recording and availability of information regarding forensic medical services for police services in England and Wales. The information that was obtained suggested that usage of such services varied greatly between police services and that costs of forensic medical services appear to be increased by the use of mixed healthcare professional service delivery and by using external commercial providers.

Pseudosclerodermatous triad of perniosis, pulp atrophy and 'parrot-beaked' clawing of the nails--a newly recognized syndrome of chronic crack cocaine use.

The number of people dependent on crack-cocaine in the UK has increased substantially in recent years. Some crack-cocaine users develop coarsening changes in the appearance of their hands after prolonged use of the drug. These changes have most often been recognized in females and include: (i) Perniosis with cold, numb hands, sometimes with perniotic hyperkeratosis over the knuckles.(ii) Finger pulp atrophy of the distal part of the pulps of some digits, especially the thumbs and index fingers.(iii) Claw-like curvature of the nails. As the distal pulp is lost, it can no longer splint the nail straight and so the nail curves, claw-like, and reminiscent of a parrot's beak as it clings to the new contour. As the pulp atrophy progresses, the nail eventually also becomes smaller.This triad may be due to ischemia consequent upon peripheral vasoconstriction induced by crack-cocaine. Early changes may resolve with abstinence. In the patients described the syndrome does not appear to be to related to intravenous drug usage. It may occur without concomitant use of heroin, whether smoked or via the intravenous route. The syndrome does not occur in all crack-cocaine users. It is hypothesized that those with a vasoreactive circulation (i.e., those with vasomotor instability/perniosis) are more susceptible to this reaction pattern. The syndrome consisting of the triad of perniosis, pulp atrophy and parrot-beaked clawing of the nails should alert the clinician to the possibility of prolonged crack-cocaine misuse.

Prospective evaluation of a peripherally administered three-in-one parenteral nutrition product in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: Peripheral parenteral nutrition is an option for short-term nutritional support in dogs which cannot be supported with enteral nutrition. The objective of this study was to examine the use of a three-in-one, 840 mOsmol/l peripheral parenteral nutrition product containing amino acids, lipids and glucose in separate compartments in dogs. METHODS: Nine dogs were administered the three-in-one product, and two dogs were administered the amino acid part of the product, via a peripheral vein. Dogs were monitored for mechanical and metabolic complications. RESULTS: Mechanical complications (apparent thrombus or thrombophlebitis) caused failure of infusion at a median of 36 hours. None of the dogs appeared to develop catheter-related sepsis. Using a 10-hour infusion period appeared to decrease the incidence of line failure. Mild and clinically non-significant hyperglycaemia was the only metabolic complication. In four of the dogs, serum folate, cobalamin and homocysteine concentrations were determined before and after peripheral parenteral nutrition administration. Oral and parenteral administration of methionine has been previously associated with lowered serum folate concentrations. Low serum folates and the subsequent hyperhomocysteinaemia have been associated with venous endothelial damage and venous thrombus in other species. Serum cobalamin also affects homocysteine metabolism. Median serum folate, cobalamin and homocysteine concentrations were not affected by the short-term administration of this three-in-one product. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Using the product for 24 hours/day may require catheter replacement due to line failure. Other than line failure, which may be improved by 10- to 12-hour infusion times, this product was found to be safe and practical for short-term peripheral parenteral nutrition in dogs.

Near miss incidents in police custody suites in London in 2003: a feasibility study.

INTRODUCTION: Potentially preventable deaths in police custody include those which involve illicit drugs, alcohol and deliberate self-harm. Near miss incidents (NMI) that did not result in death have a crucial role in understanding risk factors in custody. Such research has not previously been undertaken. A program of research has been developed to study NMI, in order to better identify those at risk in police custody. For the purposes of this research, NMI have been defined as 'an unplanned and unforeseeable or unforeseen event that could have resulted, but did not result, in human death or may have resulted in injury or other adverse outcomes'. It was intended that the definition although broad, would not include simple accidents (e.g. slipping on urine in a cell) or trivial injury. AIMS AND METHODS: The two aims of the study are (a) to determine whether it is realistic to attempt to assess NMI with the intention of identifying information of use in enhancing detainee care and (b) to assess how frequently NMIs occur and whether there are specific patterns. Pilot interviews were conducted with three forensic physicians practising in London, UK to create a structured questionnaire for all forensic physicians working in London. The questionnaire provided the basis of a retrospective recall survey of all forensic physicians working in London as Forensic Medical Examiners. The questionnaire was designed to assess the numbers of NMI, patterns in occurrence and relevant learning points within the previous 6 months. A covering letter, background questionnaire (exploring the background of the medical practitioner), copies of the survey, and reply paid envelopes were sent to each Forensic Medical Examiner (n=134) in London, contracted to provide forensic medical services for the Metropolitan Police Service. Data about all incidents were anonymized. RESULTS: Ninety six (73%) Forensic Medical Examiners responded. Of these 18% were Principal grade, the remainder were Senior (24%), Standard (35%) and Assistant (23%). Thirty eight NMI were reported by 27 Forensic Medical Examiners (of all levels). The initial reason for police contact was recorded as alcohol (n=8), theft and robbery (n=7), warrants (n=4), violence (n=3), traffic violations (n=2) and single cases of drugs, murder and immigration offences. Of the main perceived cause of each NMI, illicit drugs were involved in 12/38, alcohol in 17/38, deliberate self-harm in 11/38, issues concerning searches, checks or rousing in 8/38, failure of inter-agency communications in 5/38, and possible resource issues in 4/38. In a number of cases more than one factor was involved. CONCLUSIONS: The information established about NMI is broadly consistent with documented patterns of deaths in police custody in England and Wales which supports the validity of the data. The next stage of this research will be a prospective six month study in which NMI will be analysed in order to learn lessons which may be utilised to attempt to prevent potentially avoidable deaths in police custody.

Patterns of illicit drug use of prisoners in police custody in London, UK.

AIMS AND METHODS: The aims of the study were to explore the current characteristics of drug misusers seen in police custody and identify trends or changes that have taken place in the last decade. A prospective, anonymised, structured questionnaire survey was undertaken of consenting consecutive, self-admitted illicit drug users seen by forensic physicians in police custody within the Metropolitan Police Service in London, UK in 2003. RESULTS: 30% of detainees were dependent on heroin or crack cocaine. Drug users (n=113) were studied in 2003. 95.4% completed the questionnaire. 82% were male, 18% female. Mean age was 28.5 y (range 18-49). 80% were unemployed; significant mental health issues (e.g., schizophrenia) were present in 18%; 15% had alcohol dependence; heroin was the most frequently used drug (93%); crack cocaine -- 87%; mean daily cost of drugs -- heroin GBP 76 (range 20-240), crack GBP 81 (range 20-300). >50% users inject crack and heroin simultaneously. 56% used the intravenous route; 25% had shared needles; 100% had accessible sources of clean needles; 6.4% were hepatitis B positive; 42% were aware of hepatitis prophylaxis; hepatitis C positive -- 20.2%; 3.6% were HIV positive. Mean length of time of drug use was 7.5 y (range 1 month -- 20 years); 82% had served a previous prison sentence; 54% had used drugs in prison; 11% had used needles in prison; 3% of users stated they had started using in prison. 38% had been on rehabilitation programs; 11% had been on Drug Treatment and Testing; Orders (DTTO); 32% had used the services of Drug Arrest Referral Teams in police stations; 10% were in contact with Drug Teams at the time of assessment. CONCLUSIONS: In the last decade, there appears to be a substantial increase in the prevalence of drug use in this population -- particularly of crack cocaine. Treatment interventions are either not readily available, or not followed through. In very general terms, the illicit drug use problem appears to have significantly worsened in the population seen in police custody in London, UK, in the last decade although there is evidence that health education and harm reduction messages appear to have had some positive effects.

Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation following torture.

Hyperpigmentation after torture in darker skinned patients has regularly been noted, although its pathophysiology, and thus its forensic importance, has not previously been documented. Hyperpigmentation is not well described in the dermatological literature. It is the result of inflammation. Any inflammation can cause hyperpigmentation, and the shape of the resulting lesion can closely follow the contours of the site of original inflammatory response. This can be important in correlating the lesion with the alleged cause. It also helps to establish the differential diagnosis of the lesion, which also assists in assessing the degree of consistency between the lesion and the alleged cause. Patterns of hyperpigmentation can therefore, be helpful in assessing allegations of torture months or years after the event.

Delayed presentation of carotid dissection, cerebral ischemia, and infarction following blunt trauma: two cases.

Carotid artery dissection followed by cerebral infarction as a result of blunt trauma can occur in a number of forensically relevant situations. We describe two such cases. In the first case, a 19-year-old female was involved in a road traffic accident, when her car crashed into the rear of another car. Initially, the young woman presented a minor head injury without loss of consciousness and minor bruising to the left side of the neck. After 48 h, she had developed confusion, speech difficulties, right facial nerve paralysis, and right hemiplegia. CT scan and carotid angiography showed cerebral ischemia with infarction in the territory of the middle left cerebral artery and complete dissection of the left carotid artery. In the second case, a 33-year-old male with depression attempted to hang himself. The rope gave way and he fell down. He had also taken a paracetamol, and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug overdose. He did not lose consciousness but appeared withdrawn and depressed. Approximately 6 h later, his conscious state deteriorated. A CT scan revealed thrombosis of the left internal carotid artery, extending to the middle cerebral artery. The patient died. Both cases reinforce the need for full neurological assessment and review of any individual subject to blunt trauma to the neck, whether accidental or deliberate or where the history is incomplete. In the forensic setting, in particular, RTAs, suspension by the neck, strangulation, and garotting are all instances when examination and assessment must be thorough--and clear advice given--in the absence of any immediate signs or symptoms--that any new symptoms or signs require immediate and thorough neurological investigation. There should be low threshold for prolonged neurological observation or further neurovascular investigations such as ultrasound, CT or MRI scan or angiography, to minimize the risk of developing potentially fatal or incapacitating sequelae.

Artificial nutrition support in hospitals in the United Kingdom--1994: Third national survey.

OBJECTIVE: To determine how artificial nutrition support is used in hospitals in the United Kingdom and to determine whether there have been any alterations in practice when compared to similar studies in 1988 (1) and 1991 (2). DESIGN: A 94-question survey about artificial nutrition support (ANS) was sent to all district dietitians registered with the British Dietetic Association on 1 January 1994. Information was collected additionally from pharmacists, nutrition nurses and clinicians. RESULTS: 66.6% of questionnaires distributed were returned with analysable information. Of the respondents, 37.3% had access to nutrition support teams, compared with 27% in 1988. The documentation of usage of nutrition support was poor, only 33% of respondents being able to accurately quantify administration of enteral nutrition (EN), and 53% parenteral nutrition (PN). CONCLUSIONS: Despite increasing awareness about the role of artificial nutrition support, and the value of nutrition support teams there has only been a modest increase in the provision and monitoring of NSTs in the last 3 years. This has important implications when considering audit of such practices.

Enteral nutrition.

This review summarizes research studies published in recent years that are useful for clinicians considering the enteral route as a means of nutritional support for their patients. In this period, there has been a move away from emphasis on what nutrients are given to a more considered appraisal of how nutrients are provided. Thus, the technical aspects of enteral feeding have been refined, enabling a greater number of patients to be fed safely and effectively using the enteral route.

Salivary alcohol measurement: use in clinical forensic medical practice.

This report describes the use of a salivary alcohol measurement device in clinical forensic medicine, and concludes that it may be of use in assisting the diagnosis or the assessment of patients in the custodial setting.

Prevalence of HIV risk factors for individuals examined in clinical forensic medicine.

OBJECTIVE: to identify the prevalence of high-risk factors for infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in individuals examined in clinical forensic medical practice and to determine opinions and attitudes about HIV in this patient group. DESIGN: Anonymised questionnaire completed by consecutive individuals seen in clinical forensic medical practice. SETTING: Police stations in London attended by Group IV forensic medical examiners. SUBJECTS: 518 individuals examined in police stations (including prisoners and suspects, those detained in police custody, police officers and victims of crime). RESULTS: 164 (31.7%) individuals did not respond to the questionnaire because of: 1) refusal (12.6%) 2) inability because of drugs and/or alcohol (11.4%) 3) mental illness/disorder (4.2%) or 4) language difficulties (3.5%). 28.4% of the respondents were in at least one of the 'high-risk' categories for HIV infection. 26.5% were intravenous drug misusers; 15% were prostitutes; 9.8% (or their sexual partners) had lived in Central or East Africa since 1977; 5.9% were male homosexuals and 0.5% were haemophiliacs. 5.1% were infected with HIV or had Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Only 28.8% of individuals always used condoms in short-term sexual relationships. 44.4% of respondents believed that everyone should be tested for HIV. CONCLUSION: Over one-quarter of the respondents were in higher-risk groups for infection with HIV. Almost one-third could or would not respond. It is concluded that it is not possible to identify by questionnaire, individuals at higher risk of HIV infection in forensic medical practice. This reinforces the necessity of observing good clinical practice to reduce contamination risks in this work environment. It is clear that education about risks for HIV infection is still much needed.

Assault and injury in clinical forensic medical practice.

A prospective study was undertaken of 150 individuals in police custody, seen by a Forensic Medical Examiner (FME) for documentation of alleged assault and associated injuries. Ninety-six per cent consented to participate in the study of whom 86% were male. The mean age was 29.8 years. Most assaults (35%) were said to be unprovoked, 26% of injuries were alleged to have occurred at the time of arrest, 17% as a result of domestic incidents and 8% due to driving incidents. Twenty-nine per cent of examinees were victims of assault, 21% complained of alleged police assault and 20% were police officers injured during arrests. There was no significant difference between the mean ages of victims and assailants, and no significant difference in the proportions of each group under the influence of alcohol. Those individuals alleging police assault were all male, and significantly more likely to be unemployed and single. Victims of assault were significantly more likely to be female. Weapons were used in only 15% of cases. The head was the most common site of injury. Twenty-three per cent of the study population required hospital assessment. The study has characterized the different groups of individuals requiring medical assessment for assault and injury in police custody. The findings in this study population differ from similar studies undertaken in alternative settings.

Palliation of malignant dysphagia by ethanol induced tumour necrosis.

Thirty two patients (74 (43-93) years; median, (range)) with dysphagia because of inoperable, unresectable or recurrent oesophagogastric carcinoma were treated by ethanol induced tumour necrosis (ETN). Endoscopic injection of absolute alcohol was performed using a variceal injector needle, with 0.5-1 ml aliquots injected retrogradely from distal to proximal tumour margin. Dilatation to 12 mm was used only if the endoscope would not traverse the stricture. In patients with total occlusion, injection into the proximal tumour was followed by a repeat endoscopy 3-7 days later. Dysphagia was graded from 0 = no dysphagia to 4 = total dysphagia. The significance of changes in the dysphagia grade after ETN were assessed using the Wilcoxon rank sum test. Results (median (range)) were as follows: stricture length = 5.0 cm (1-15). Dysphagia grade before treatment was 3 (2-4) improving after first treatment to 1 (0-3), p < 0.003. Best dysphagia grade achieved was 1 (0-3) and interval between treatments was 28.5 days (4-170). The volume of ethanol injected = 10 ml (1.5-29) and survival after first treatment was 93 days (6-660). The number of treatment sessions required to achieve best grade = 1 (1-3). There were no treatment complications. ETN significantly improves dysphagia. Results of palliation are similar to those of laser therapy, but can be achieved quickly and safely on a day case basis in most patients and at a small proportion of the cost.

Drug misusers in police custody: a prospective survey.

Approximately 11% of individuals seen by forensic medical examiners in police custody in London are drug misusers. This prospective survey using an anonymized structured questionnaire attempted to define some of the characteristics of this selected group of drug misusers. The study was undertaken in Metropolitan Police Service stations (London, UK) within the area covered by Group IV Forensic Medical Examiners. One hundred and fifty consecutive drug misusers in police custody were assessed. Of these individuals 77% used heroin; 30% used both heroin and cocaine regularly; 72% were injecting drugs; 32% were being prescribed drugs (e.g. methadone) by general practitioners or drug agencies. Those individuals prescribed drugs spent a similar amount per day on illicit drugs as those who were not (100.30 pounds versus 106 pounds). Four per cent of individuals were HIV-positive; 25.7% were hepatitis-B positive. Only 9.7% were aware that prophylaxis for hepatitis-B was possible. Seventy-four per cent had served previous prison sentences and of those 82% had used class A controlled drugs whilst serving the sentence. It is concluded that drug misusers seen in police custody tend to be recidivists. It seems that some clear means of identifying and ensuring referral and attendance at an appropriate agency may be the only way to break the cycle of drug misuse, prison and further drug misuse in this highly (self) selected group of patients.