A Study to Estimate the Reliability of “Moritz Rule of Thumb-Method A and Method B” Method of Estimation of Time Since Death in Tropical Climate of Central India
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/mlu.v19i1.893Keywords:
Algor Mortis, Time since Death, rectal temperature, ambient temperature, Moritz rule of thumb.Abstract
Background: There are numerous methods available for estimation of time since death (TSD) in early post-mortem interval. But, precise determination of TSD is always a big challenge. There are some methods which can be employed for precise determination of TSD, but those have been used in temperate climatic region, such as Henssge nomogram method and Moritz formula. This paper is a humble trial to test the reliability of Moritz formula in tropical climate of central India.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was carried out on 173 randomly selected cadavers which were brought for autopsy in department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Gandhi medical college, Bhopal. After collecting routine data like age, gender, height, weight etc. following data were also collected – ambient room temperature, rectal temperature, known TSD, determined TSD by Moritz formula. Data were analysed by using SPSS software.
Conclusion: Moritz rule of thumb–method A and method B is a reliable method for determination of TSD in 24 hour time frame and in all time slots except that Moritz-A rule cannot be used in 0-6 hour time slot, both in <23 ºC & >23 ºC ambient temperatures in the present study circumstances.
