Cases Study of Postmortem Biochemical Analysis of Vitreous Potassium Levels for Accurate Estimation of the Postmortem Interval at the Medico legal Institute of Casablanca



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Cases Study of Postmortem Biochemical Analysis of Vitreous Potassium


Volume:
2

Issue:
1


Date publication:
June 12, 2025

Authors:
Barthelemy Munkana Matadi, Hind Abouzahir, Ireng Stella Darious, Zineb Boubekri, Adelin Niyonsaba, El Assioui Mohamed, Ahmed Belhouss, Mohammed Bennani Othmani, Hicham Benyaich



Abstract:

By examining the relationship between vitreous potassium levels and time since death and improving upon current mathematical models, this work seeks to evaluate the accuracy of PMI estimation in a Moroccan forensic context. The study’s methodology involved examining 20 cadavers at the Medicolegal Institute at Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca. Ion- Ion-selective electrode analysis was used to determine the potassium concentration in vitreous humour samples that were obtained aseptically. Using the regression equation y = -5.46 + 1.78[K+] (R2 = 0.329, p = 0.008), potassium levels in vitreous humour demonstrated a significant linear connection with PMI. Values ranged from 5.63 to 11.9 mEq/L, with the mean potassium content being 9.04 mEq/L (SD = 2.08). There was no statistically significant association between PMI and salt levels. Although the results are in line with previous research, they emphasise The necessity of localised prediction model calibration since population-specific characteristics vary.
The usefulness of vitreous potassium content as a trustworthy biomarker for PMI calculation is supported by this study’s conclusion. Although the findings are in line with earlier studies, the low R2 value raises the possibility that other factors are at play.



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