EVALUATION OF THE POSTMORTEM TEST FOR HYPOXIA IN THE HUMAN
Abstract
In previous investigations, a simple postmortem test for determining ante-mortem hypoxia was developed and successfully proved on animals. The test is based on the fact that lactic acid accumulates in brain tissue of animals made hypoxic at the time of death. It was our purpose to determine whether or not the elevated postmortem level of lactic acid is associated with a history of clinical hypoxia with sufficient consistency to warrant its use as a diagnostic test in man. The biochemical and physiologic mechanisms involved in the test are explained. Analyses of lactic acid in brain tissue were performed on 168 autopsied patients; clinical histories of the patients were recorded with special emphasis placed on the state of oxygenation of the tissues immediately ante mortem. The results indicated a high degree of correlation between clinical histories and lactic acid values. Normal nonhypoxic humans showed lactic acid levels between 119 and 209 mg. per 100 gm. brain tissue. Higher values strongly suggest exposure to hypoxia (if various interfering factors have been ruled out). (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0261556
Entities
People
- Donald D. Van Fossan.
- Elwood E. Baird
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine