Loss of Nuclear Basophilic Staining as a Postmortem Interval Marker.

INTRODUCTION

The loss of basophilia (LOB), as an objective marker of postmortem interval (PMI), was evaluated. Such a correlation has been previously reported in stillborn fetuses.

METHOD

Loss of basophilia in different tissues was scored using hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides obtained from 65 random autopsy cases. Scatter plots were used to visually assess the correlation of PMI with our LOB scores. Decomposition was assessed using a modified total body score.

RESULTS

Loss of basophilia was found to be correlated with PMI (total and unrefrigerated intervals). Specifically in this study, we found full or partial basophilic staining up to 26 hours after death, and complete LOB was seen in cases as early as 36 hours in liver and 60 hours in heart. Loss of basophilia also well correlated with the modified total body score. The LOB varied by tissue and was uncorrelated to histologically observable bacteria and fungi. Refrigeration appeared to stop the autolytic process that causes the LOB.

CONCLUSION

Complete LOB can be expected between 1 and 2 days after death in unrefrigerated liver and heart tissues because of autolysis.