Diagnostic problems with functional causes of death: Analytical approaches and procedures

Post mortem biochemical analyses may assist to confirm “functional causes of death” with non-specific morphological changes. Examinations should always be carried out on different body fluids while pre-testing can help with information at an early stage. The main diagnostic areas are carbohydrate metabolism, kidney and liver function, water and electrolyte equilibrium and hypothermia/high excitation. For diabetic dysfunctions the diagnostic process is mainly based on biochemical estimations as well as for hepatic and renal dysregulations. However, the diagnosis of functional mechanisms of death may be problematic due to precision and reliability of post mortem analyses which can of course be increased by the number of parameters and compartments. However, histo-morphology and toxicology are always required.