Correlation of Splenic Parameters With Age in North Indian Population

BACKGROUND

Estimation of age is of utmost importance in identifying the deceased. Research considering splenic morphometric parameters to determine the deceased's age is very rare in Haryana. The present study is done to find the correlation between the spleen's morphometric parameters and the deceased's age. The objective of the present study is to determine the changes in morphometry of the spleen with the age of the deceased.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study was done in spleen specimens (56 males and 44 females) obtained from deceased adults aged 16-70 years belonging to North India from the Department of Forensic Medicine during autopsy from September 2021-June 2022. The data was analyzed using SPSS 20.0. Pearson's correlation test evaluated the association between splenic parameters and age. The correlation formula was derived to assess the significance of correlation.

RESULTS

Correlation with age was negative and significant with splenic weight and splenic dimensions in both males and females. Mean splenic weight, length, breadth, and thickness were 113.83± 7.86 g, 10.2±1.04 cm, 6.53 ± 0.4 cm, 1.46 ± 0.074 cm respectively. Mean spleen weight, length, width, and thickness were 137 ±10.98g, 11.06 ± 1.28 cm, 6.9 ± 0.4cm, 1.66 ± 0.018 cm in males. Mean spleen weight, length, width, and thickness were 90.66 ± 4.74g, 9.34 ±0.8cm, 6.16 ±0.4cm, and 1.26 ±0.13cm in females.  Conclusions: Spleen weight and dimensions were higher in males than in females, and all the morphometric parameters increased up to the age of 45 and later decreased. The correlation of morphometric parameters of the spleen was negative and significant with age.

Gender determination analysis using anthropometrical dimensions of 2D:4D, foot index and mandibular canine index

Introduction

Sex determination is a challenge for forensic experts during mass disasters. Teeth are an excellent source in both living and nonliving population, where bodies are mutilated beyond recognition. Mandibular canines can be employed for gender determination in such situations. Similarly, second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) and foot index (FI) are sexually dimorphic and differ in males and females. Mandibular canine index (MCI), 2D:4D and FI are considered quick, easy and reproducible methods for determining the sex of an individual.

Aim

This study aimed to determine the combined role of MCI, 2D:4D and FI in denoting gender identity and establish their correlation.

Materials and Methods

The present study comprised of 100 dental students (50 males and 50 females) of our institution, aged 19-25 years, with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The measurements were done using a Vernier caliper, a divider and a ruler, and MCI, 2D:4D and FI were calculated using their specific formulae. The calculated values of FI, MCI and 2D:4D were subjected to statistical analysis.

Results

There was a statistically significant difference observed between left MCI (P < 0.05), right and left 2D:4D and FI (P < 0.05). The results revealed that 2D:4D was less, whereas MCI and FI were higher in males than in females. The observed MCI was compared with standard MCI, and left MCI revealed higher sexual dimorphic characteristics (15.2%). Although the overall correlation between 2D:4D, FI and MCI was insignificant, the measurements were comparable.

Conclusion

This study indicated that the anthropometric dimensions of 2D:4D, FI and MCI can be used for sex determination independently with accurate results.