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Post mortem tryptase: A review of literature on its use, sampling and interpretation in the investigation of fatal anaphylaxis.
Journal article

Post mortem tryptase: A review of literature on its use, sampling and interpretation in the investigation of fatal anaphylaxis.

  • Garland J Forensic and Analytical Science Service, NSW Health Pathology, New South Wales, Australia. Electronic address: jack.garland@health.nsw.gov.au.
  • Ondruschka B Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
  • Da Broi U Department of Medicine, Section of Forensic Medicine, University of Udine, Udine, Italy.
  • Palmiere C CURML, University Center of Legal Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland.
  • Tse R School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand; Department of Forensic Pathology, LabPLUS, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
  • 2020-07-28
Published in:
  • Forensic science international. - 2020
Anaphylaxis
Post mortem biochemistry
Post mortem tryptase
Tryptase
English Post mortem tryptase is a commonly-used ancillary test in the investigation of possible anaphylactic deaths. Ante mortem tryptase interpretation differs from post mortem interpretation due to differing priorities, biochemical behaviours and capacity for follow-up. Additionally, post mortem tryptase sampling site, method and even cut-off levels are not standardised between facilities. This review of the literature investigates the existing research and recommendations on the use of post mortem tryptase in suspected anaphylactic deaths. Currently, autopsy recommendations suggest early sampling, standardised sampling technique with clamping of and aspiration from the femoral vein, and for the results to be interpreted within the wider autopsy and clinical context. Areas in need of further research include the effects of cytolysis on tryptase levels and studies to stratify differing tryptase levels based on type of death and anaphylactic trigger.
Language
  • English
Open access status
closed
Identifiers
Persistent URL
https://sonar.ch/global/documents/928
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