Childhood Violence, Infanticide and Starvation MCQs

Ploucquet's test: This test helps to demonstrate establishment of respiration. Weight of lungs before respiration → 1/70 of body weight and after respiration → 1/35 of body weight. Fodere's test(Static test): Weight of lungs before respiration → 30-40g and after respiration → 60-66g. Wredin's test: Assesses the changes in the middle ear. The gelatinous substance in the middle ear is replaced by air if respiration has taken place. Shape of the Chest: Before respiration, the chest is flat, and its circumference is one to two cm. less than the abdomen at the level of the umbilicus. After respiration, the chest expands and becomes arched or drum shaped. Reference: Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 2nd edition, PC Dixit, Page No. 175-177.

Total deprivation of water and food results death in about 10 to 12 days. Newborns may survive for 7 to 10 days without food and water. If food alone is withdrawn, death may occur in 6 to 8 weeks or even more. Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, KS Narayan Reddy, 35th edition, Page No. 259

The absence (and not presence) of meconium in the large bowel may be a sign of Live birth but the presence of meconium in the large bowel is not a confirmation of live birth. Confirmatory signs of live birth: Presence of milk in the stomach Absence of meconium in the large bowel, exception being breech delivery. Exfoliation of skin closure of foetal channels Changes in the umbilical cord Live birth can be excluded if: Signs of maceration are present. Signs of immaturity are present. If the child has not attained the viable age (7 months), it could not have been born alive. Reference: Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 2nd edition, P C Dixit, Page No. 178

In starvation, the loss of adipose tissue will also be evident internally in the internal fat depots like omentum, mesentery and perirenal fat. This is never seen in wasting diseases and cancer. Reference: Textbook of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology: Principles & Practice 5th edition, Krishan Vij, Page No. 174

In acute starvation, there is a feeling of hunger and the hunger pain (Hunger pangs) lasts for about 30 to 48 hours, but thirst becomes intense. After 4 to 5 days of starvation, general emaciation and absorption of the subcutaneous fat begins to occur. Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology by KS Narayan Reddy, 35th Edition, Page Number-259.

In case of starvation, gall bladder is distended with bile as the bile is not used. The heart is small from brown atrophy, and chambers are empty. Brain is the only organ which does not show reduction in size and weight. Loss of adipose tissue from omentum, mesentery and peri-renal fat stores. Gut is empty and filled with gas. The wall is contracted and translucent from stomach to colon. The walls of the intestine may appear like tissue paper (considered to be the sure sign). Faecoliths are usually present and may ulcerate the intestinal linings. Bones may show features of demineralization. Stress fractures are present. All the organs shrink except Brain. Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, KS Narayan Reddy, 35th edition, Page No. 260

Acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate are important vectors of energy transport during fasting. These so-called "ketone bodies" are important respiratory substrates in the brain and heart under conditions where glucose supply is restricted. Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/acetoacetic-acid

After four to five days of starvation. General emaciation and absorption of the subcutaneous fat begins to occur. The eyes are sunken and glistening; the pupils are dilated; the cheeks sink and the bony prominences become visible. Bichat's buccal pad of fat is among the last subcutaneous adipose tissue to disappear. Reference : The Essentials of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 35 th Edition, Dr. K.S. Narayan Reddy, Page No. 259