Work

Determination of Gestational Age and Live Birth in Decomposing Infant Corpse

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The number of unwanted pregnancies globally remains high. This is one of the contributing factors to the frequent discovery of decomposing newborn bodies, which can make forensic examinations challenging for pathologists. In April 2022, the body of an unidentified baby, wrapped in a plastic bag, was found in the bushes. An autopsy was conducted following a visum et repertum request. The examination revealed a decomposed infant with a fully formed earlobe, fingernails extending beyond the fingertips, female genitalia with the labia majora covering the labia minora, and ossification nuclei present in the distal femur, proximal tibia, and cuboid bone. Wreden’s test also indicated the presence of air inside the middle ear cavity. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the baby was born alive, with a gestational age of 9–10 months.

Source: Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine

DOI: 10.1177/09710973251322015

Authors: Shella Morina, Tia Maya Affrita, Ahmad Yudianto

Institutions: Universitas Katolik Widya Mandala Surabaya, Universitas Airlangga

Language: English

Topic: Autopsy Techniques and Outcomes

Subfield: Radiology, Nuclear Medicine and Imaging

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Universitas Airlangga