Title

Molecular Autopsy in Sudden Unexpected Death: A Review.

Authors

Sachin S Patil, Ravindra B Deokar, Rajesh C Dere, Ajay N Keoliya

Abstract

Introduction: The term "molecular autopsy" refers to a technique in forensic medicine that focuses on the use of genetic diagnostic in postmortem samples in the absence of a definitive diagnosis, therefore classifying the death as sudden unexplained death (SUD). In addition to traditional autopsy, these post-mortem molecular investigations have the ability to identify genetic changes that may have contributed to the disease that resulted in the SUD. Challenges: There are multiple reasons for implementation of this procedure, comprising of economic causes or the legal restrictions involved with the sample collection, The storage time and the number of genes analysed, as well as the ethical implications of inheritable results attained after a molecular necropsy. Medicolegal issues: Post-mortem examinations within the country are performed as per the minimal prescribed standards, there is void in uniformity of the procedures followed in multiple countries thereby creating hindrance to appropriate rendition in clinical practice. A negative autopsy in the cases of sudden death creates a room of suspicion or dissatisfaction in the minds of the relatives of the deceased about the death of the deceased. In such case molecular autopsy can be considered as critical approach to uncover the pathogenic inheritable condition. Conclusion: Ascertaining of the cause of death of the deceased permits to satisfy the family members of deceased to exclude suspicion. It also aids the treating doctors to detect promptly the occurrence in the condition in the relatives of the deceased and performing the preventive measures of causing genetic abnormalities.

Keywords

Negative Autopsy, Sudden Unexplained Death, Genetic Testing.