What is the significance of haemosiderin in the lungs of deceased infants?
In infants, pulmonary haemosiderin has been put forward as a marker of previous asphyxic abuse and possible grounds for suspicion of homicide. Review of the available literature does not provide a strong enough evidence base to support this claim. Further research is needed before instigation of criminal proceedings can be justified on this pathological finding.
Forbes
Adam
A
University of Warwick Medical School, Coventry.
Acland
Peter
P
D001238:Asphyxia Neonatorum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D001497:Battered Child Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis; D006485:Hemosiderin / Q000032:analysis*; D006486:Hemosiderosis / Q000473:pathology; D006708:Homicide; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000502:physiology; D008168:Lung / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D015415:Biomarkers; D006485:Hemosiderin