Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to I Root.
The problem of evaluating injury in childhood as to causation--accidental, inflicted or other--is compounded by conflicting literature. The child presenting with head injury following a short distance fall should be a source of alarm. Some of the key thoughts in the literature are evaluated with presentation of some additional observations, in an attempt to sort out some apparent conflicts.
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
The practice of forensic pathology finds itself in the unenviable position of existing in a political environment, the existence of which depends upon compromise. The professional pathologist cannot compromise ethically, morally, or legally. As a practical fact of life, most of us find ourselves in the compromising position and with the compromising attitude of "you get what you pay for." The end result all too often is tragedy for those who depend on our observations, our conclusions, our practice of medicine. What has not been widely recognized apparently is the all too common consequence of the personal jeopardy that the forensic pathologist is placed in--defenseless, friendless, disgraced, and left with a severely tarnished professional reputation.
The web of human entanglement resulting from the cry "rape" may twist and disrupt the lives of the persons involved. The physician who is prepared and able to deal with the forensic medical aspects of the problem can play a vital role in the determination of innocence or guilt. And, if he is prepared to recognize and deal with the psychologic problems, the emotional distress and the anxiety, the physician can provide invaluable help.
Although it is an intrinsic part of all medical practice forensic medicine often is either unrecognized as such or is consciously or subconsciously evaded. The failure to apply some rather basic and simple forensic principles that only the physician is capable of doing may result in problems to the patient ranging from frustration to near catastrophe. For physicians who are reasonably well equipped to understand the legal system, the successful conclusion of a legal case, including, sometimes, an appearance in court, can be stimulating and interesting.
Two cases of overdose due to ingestion of trazodone are described. In one case, blood collected several hours following ingestion of an estimated 4 or more grams contained a trazodone concentration of 25.7 mg/L. Recovery was uneventful. The second case did not survive and death was attributed to the ingestion of multiple drugs in combination. Both cases were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography and the methodology is given.