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CHANGES.
POTMORTEM DECOMPOSITION
PUTREFACTION
Final stage following death.
Produced mainly by action of bacterial
enzymes , mostly anaerobic from
bowel.
Chief bacteria clostridium welchii,
responsible for haemolysis and
liquefaction of clots.
Other bacteria such as streptococci,
staphylococci and Gram ve bacilli.
ct
Other enzymes from fungi such as
penicillium and aspergillus and insects play a
role too.
Bacteria produce a variety of enzymes which
breakdown proteins, carbohydrates and fats.
Lecithinase produced by Cl. welchii
hydrolyses lecithin, present on cell
membranes including red blood cells causing
haemolysis
There is progressive breakdown of soft
tissues with alteration of proteins,
carbohydrates and fats.
Organisms enter the tissues from the
alimentary tract.
The fall in oxygen and rise in
hydrogen ion concentration favours
bacterial growth and spread.
c.f. autolysis = autodigestion.
earliest changes in parenchymatous
glandular organs and brain.
due to lytic enzymes ( proteolytic,
glycolytic and lipolytic) from the cell
itself.
this leads to autodigestion and
disintegration of organs.
autolysis increased by heat and
stopped by freezing or inactivating
enzymes by heat.
earliest changes occur in
parenchymatous and glandular tissues
and brain.
autolytic fermentation is responsible for
maceration of foetus in utero.
Characteristic features of
putrefaction
Changes in colour of tissues.
Bacteria spread directly from the bowel
into tissues of abdominal wall.
Hb diffuses through vessels, staining
reddish brown colour.
Derivatives of Hb formed
(sulphametaHb) gives a greenish-black
colour.
First external sign- skin over caecum
greenish.
Internally under surface of liver.
Colour changes (ct)
Superficial veins stained greenish-
brown, with marble appearance.
Skin slippage and blister formation.
Clotted blood becomes fluid, increasing
postmortem staining.
Bloody fluid collects in serous cavities.
Appearance 12-18 hours.
Foul smelling gases.
Proteins and carbohydrates split into
simpler compounds.
Include amino acids, ammonia, CO2,
H2S, methane, mercaptans.
These gases are non-inflammable in
early stages.
With H2S production, they become
flammable.
ct
Gases collect in intestines 6-12 hours
leading to abdominal distension.
On opening the abdomen, the gas
escapes with a loud explosive noise.
Diaphragm may be pushed upwards by
gases, leading to lung compression.
May cause froth to come from mouth
and nostril ( postmortem surge).
ct
Food from stomach may be forced into
fauces and larynx !!!
Gas accumulation in tissues produces
emphysema, scrotal swelling, bulging
tongue/eyes.
Pregnant uterus may expel foetus.
The gas formation in blood vessels may
force blood stained fluid, air or liquid fat
between epidermis forming blisters
Rigidity due to inflation of tissues with
gases- lower limbs abducted, flexed and
rigid; arms abducted and flexed.
Liquefaction of tissues
Begins 5-10 days or more after death.
Abdomen bursts and stomach and
intestines protrude.
Tissues become soft, thick semi-fluid
material.
Separation from bones finally occurs.
Decomposition may differ from body to
body, environment and from one part of
body to another.
Sometimes one part may be mummified
while another shows liquifaction
.
Skeletonization
Time for this change varies considerably
In exposed body- flies, maggots, dogs
etc within a few days.
In water- water creatures- a few days.
In uncoffined body in shallow grave-
putrefaction delayed for sometime.
In deeply buried body- lower temp,
exclusion of bacteria, absence of animal
life- will markedly delay
skeletonization.
Important determining factors are
seasonal, climatic variation, amount of
soil water, soil acidity and access of air
Internal Phenomenon
Internally, decomposition advances in
the same rate as seen externally
Viscera become greasy and softened
usual sites
Limbs, chest and other parts also involved.
In wide spread adipocere soft tissues
are markedly dry.
Adipocere may persist for decades, but
finally either degenerates or removed
by mechanical forces or by animals.
Time required for its formation:
In temperate countries, shortest time 3
weeks in summer to be seen in some
parts.
Stiffening, hardening and swelling of fat
Medico-legal importance:Same as in
adipocere