Using Accumulated Degree-Days to Estimate the Postmortem Interval from Decomposed Human Remains

Megyesi, Mary S.; Nawrocki, Stephen P.; Haskell, Neal H.

doi:10.1520/jfs2004017

Cited by 497 publications

(872 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…Due to a large number of these cases in South Africa, research involving the estimation of the postmortem interval (PMI) is crucial for both forensic anthropologists and pathologists. While an accurate postmortem interval is needed to establish time since death and to exclude individuals who did not die within that time period [1], many of these methods have not been tested in geographical regions outside of the United States or Europe.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, most of these descriptions are qualitative in nature; are based on personal opinions and experience; and are not applicable to all geographic and environmental conditions [1,7]. Additionally, many decomposition studies have been conducted in different seasons and climatic conditions using varying methodologies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A model that is appropriate for comparison is Accumulated Degree-Days (ADD). ADD are heat-energy units that represent the accumulation of thermal energy that is needed for chemical and biological reactions to take place in soft tissue during decomposition [1]. For this reason, ADD represents chronological time and temperature combined [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In 2005, Megyesi and colleagues proposed that Total Body Score (TBS) and ADD could be used to quantitatively estimate the postmortem interval [1]. This retrospective study made use of 68 forensic cases from a variety of environmental settings.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Thirty pig carcasses, which weighed between 38 and 91 kg, were used. TBS was scored using the modified method of Megyesi et al [1]. Temperature was acquired from an on site data logger and the weather station bureau; differences between these two sources were not statistically significant.…”

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confidence: 99%

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Estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) using accumulated degree-days (ADD) in a temperate region of South Africa

Myburgh

L'Abbé

Steyn

et al. 2013

Forensic Science International

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The validity of the method in which Total Body Score (TBS) and Accumulated Degree-Days (ADD) are used to estimate the postmortem interval (PMI) is examined. TBS and ADD were recorded for 232 days in northern South Africa, which has temperatures between 17 and 28 ºC in summer and 6 and 20 ºC in winter. Winter temperatures rarely go below 0 ºC. Thirty pig carcasses, which weighed between 38 and 91 kg, were used. TBS was scored using the modified method of Megyesi et al. [1]. Temperature was acquired from an on site data logger and the weather station bureau; differences between these two sources were not statistically significant.Using Loglinear Random-effects Maximum Likelihood Regression, an r 2 value for ADD (0.6227) was produced and linear regression formulae to estimate PMI from ADD with a 95% prediction interval were developed. The data of 16 additional pigs that were placed a year later were then used to validate the accuracy of this method. The actual PMI and ADD were compared to the estimated PMI and ADD produced by the developed formulae as well as the estimated PMIs within the 95% prediction interval. A validation of the study produced poor results as only one pig of 16 fell within the 95% interval when using the formulae, showing that ADD has limited use in the prediction of PMI in a South African setting.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

mentioning

confidence: 99%

See 3 more Smart Citations

Estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) using accumulated degree-days (ADD) in a temperate region of South Africa

Myburgh

L'Abbé

Steyn

et al. 2013

Forensic Science International

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Postmortem Interval: Submerged Bodies

Simmons

Heaton

2013

Wiley Encyclopedia of Forensic Science

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There are an estimated 388 000 victims of accidental drowning worldwide every year, and the number of bodies recovered from water environments is augmented by bodies that are in water because of suicide and homicide. Numerous challenges are created when attempting to estimate the postmortem interval ( PMI ) and identify a victim whose body was recovered from water. For the investigator on a case involving a body found in water, it is important to be aware of the environmental factors that may influence the rate of decomposition, and hence the appearance of the corpse. Although the prime mover of decomposition in water, as on land, is temperature, a number of variables unique to the aquatic system may influence the appearance of the remains, namely obstructions underwater that may snag and cause injury to the body and marine scavengers. Submerged bodies undergo a decomposition progression similar to that of bodies found on land, but with specific features such as washerwoman hands/feet and degloving and they also undergo a characteristic disarticulation sequence. Submerged bodies are also more likely to form adipocere, which may inhibit decomposition from progressing further and impede the investigator's ability to estimate of time since death. Equations, based on a decomposition scale, predict the accumulated temperatures to which a body has been exposed in water and allow the calculation of a PMI range.

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