Study of strontium as a marker of vitality in deaths from submersion by ICP-MS

Abstract

BACKGROUND Submersion is one of the most frequent death causes encountered and constitutes a public health problem. Its prevalence is increasing worldwide due to the proliferation of aquatic activities and natural disasters. Sometimes, the lack of specificity of macroscopic findings rendered by the death by submersion autopsy, forces the introduction of complementary examinations to achieve an accurate diagnosis. Besides the histopathological and biological studies (diatom testing), the use of biochemical parameters such as Sr has been proposed as a good vitality marker in death by submersion cases. However, since the quantity of Sr may vary depending on the type of water, we do not know data linked to Sr concentration in both internal water and seawater within our own geographical medium. GOALS We want to determined Sr levels in freshwater and saltwater submersions by ICP-MS. Compare Sr data with other types of death caused by mechanical asphyxia (suffocation, hanging, strangulation). Compare Sr data with other types of death caused by different kinds of asphyxia (cardiovascular, gunfire, car crash). METHOD We will carry out analytical research on case-controls. Samples from deaths by submersion in Girona from 2017 to 2018 will be gathered. The autopsies will be performed at the Intituto de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses de Catalunya división de Girona