Estimation of Postmortem Interval in Early Postmortem Period Using Serum Enzymes and its Correlation with Rigor Mortis and Postmortem Lividity

Determination of reasonably accurate time since death has a bearing on the issues of ‘alibi’ and ‘opportunity’. Post mortem interval is a critical step in most homicide or un-witnessed death investigations and remains one of the most challenging variables to establish. The present prospective study was designed to estimate time since death from postmortem serum enzyme levels and its correlation with rigor mortis and postmortem lividity. The sample group consisted of 127 cadavers from whom venous blood sample was collected at 6 hourly intervals and analyzed for SGOT, SGPT and Acid Phosphatase levels. The serum enzyme levels in individuals dying of different mechanisms were compared and a regression equation was derived to estimate time since death. From the equations derived, it was concluded that serum enzyme values can be a good indicator for determination of postmortem interval than that of routine parameters like rigor mortis and postmortem lividity.