Citation

Wang H, Xu H, Li W, Li B, Shi Q, Ma K, Xiao B, Chen L. Forensic Sci. Res. 2019; 5(4): 341-347.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/20961790.2019.1572259

PMID

33457053

Abstract

Death due to acute alcohol poisoning lacks specific anatomical characteristics, compared with other deaths due to drug poisoning. We report three forensic cases of death from acute alcohol poisoning due to inhibition of the respiratory centre and eventual asphyxia. Blood alcohol concentrations in the three fatalities were 5.28, 3.33 and 3.78 mg/mL, respectively. Lethal doses and blood alcohol concentrations showed differences between individuals. Detailed auxiliary tests besides autopsy were undertaken. These cases show that forensic scientists should exclude other causes of death, combine the autopsy with auxiliary tests, and then make an appraisal.

Language: en

Keywords

blood alcohol concentration; Forensic sciences; acute alcohol poisoning; central nervous system depression; forensic pathology