13.Starvation

Starvation

The continuous and regular deprivation of food, or food and drink required for the maintenance of life.

Acute Starvation

A form of starvation where food and drink are completely withheld for a continuous period.

Chronic Starvation

Starvation due to long-term quantitative and qualitative deficiency of food, also known as partial starvation or malnutrition.

Pathophysiology of Starvation

The process involving utilization of glycogen, followed by lipolysis, and subsequently the synthesis of ketone bodies for energy.

Signs of Acute Starvation

Hunger, weakness, concentration difficulties, tachycardia, emaciation, dry/pale skin, and muscle cramps.

Fatal Period of Acute Starvation

10 to 12 days without food and water; longer survival with water.

Postmortem findings in starvation

Emaciation, sunken eyes, loss of body fat, atrophy of organs except the brain, and pale lungs.

Risk factors influencing fatality in starvation

Age, sex, body condition, environmental factors, intercurrent infections, and physical exertion.

Consequences of Chronic Starvation

Deficiencies in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, leading to anemia and edema, among other symptoms.

Intercurrent Infections

Infections that may arise during starvation, contributing to early death.

Santhara

A religious ritual practiced by Jains, involving fasting unto death.

Homicidal starvation

Deliberate starvation inflicted on individuals, such as illegitimate infants or the mentally retarded.

Typical autopsy findings in starvation

Emaciation, Bichat's fat pad loss, pronounced rib cage, and atrophy of various organs.

Muscle wasting in starvation

Visible by the 6th or 7th day of starvation due to the body utilizing muscle proteins.

Vulnerable groups in starvation

Children and infants who are more susceptible to the effects of starvation compared to older individuals.