Search

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2007.10.002 Byline: Kristian Linnet (a), Anni Steentoft (a), Kirsten W. Simonsen (a), Anne Sabers (b), Steen Holger Hansen (c) Keywords: Oxcarbazepine; 10-Hydroxycarbazepine; Fatality; Postmortem cases Abstract: We present an oxcarbazepine-related fatality together with an overview of 26 postmortem cases involving oxcarbazepine observed during the period 2001-2006. The fatality case concerned a 27-year-old woman with epilepsy, who was found dead in her bed. Oxcarbazepine and its active metabolite, 10-hydroxycarbazepine, were the only compounds detected. The concentrations of oxcarbazepine were as follows: femoral blood, 2.9mg/kg; muscle, 1.8mg/kg; liver, 0.9mg/kg; gastric content (300ml), 860mg/kg; and vitreous humour, not detected. The concentrations of 10-hydroxycarbazepine were as follows: femoral blood, 66mg/kg; muscle, 40mg/kg; liver, 62mg/kg; gastric content, 27mg/kg; and vitreous humour, 25mg/kg. The analyses were performed by HPLC-DAD after liquid-liquid extraction. Oxcarbazepine intoxication was regarded as a possible cause of death. For the other 26 cases, the 10-hydroxycarbazepine concentrations ranged from 2.2 to 48mg/kg with a median of 25mg/kg. Author Affiliation: (a) The Section of Forensic Chemistry, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederik V Vej 11, DK-2100 Copenhagen A, Denmark (b) The Epilepsy Clinic, Glostrup County Hospital, DK-2600 Glostrup, Denmark (c) The Department of Forensic Pathology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Frederik V Vej 11, DK-2100 Copenhagen A, Denmark Article History: Received 12 October 2006; Revised 11 October 2007; Accepted 13 October 2007

Estimation of the time of death (TOD) is a central task to forensic pathologists. The current gold standard method for TOD-estimation is only applicable in the first 24 h post-mortem and it is advisable to employ multiple methods, if possible. A wristwatch found on the decedent can be a valuable additional tool for TOD-estimation. This technical report provides a brief overview of the two major watch types - mechanical and quartz-based timepieces - and a step-by-step guide to using these for TOD-estimation. The methods are demonstrated using case illustrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]