Problems of Forensic Sciences 2004 Vol. 58 (LVIII) 19-33
HYDRATION DEGREE OF BODY FLUIDS VERSUS THE CONCENTRATION OF ETHYL ALCOHOL
Zofia OLSZOWY, Teresa GRABOWSKA, Joanna NOWICKA
Chair and Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice
Streszczenie
There are difficulties in interpreting ethyl alcohol concentrations in blood samples collected from a deceased persons with advanced putrescent changes or various degrees of carbonisation of the corpse. It is known that the concentration of ethyl alcohol depends mostly on the progression of the post-mortem changes and the water content in the tissues. In the paper, the authors present ethyl alcohol concentrations in blood, urine, vitreous humour and cerebrospinal fluid of the deceased determined with regard to the hydration degree of the biological material. Statistical analysis of the obtained results was carried out with the use of regression and correlation. The described examinations of autopsy material can be helpful in preparing expert opinions concerning alcohol intoxication.
Słowa kluczowe
Hydration degree; Body fluids; Ethyl alcohol.