Markil Gregersen - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Markil Gregersen
Ugeskrift for Læger, 2008
Zeitschrift für Rechtsmedizin, 1980
International Journal of Legal Medicine, 1992
In 68% of the cases death had been caused by drugs, whereas acute alcohol poisoning and carbon mo... more In 68% of the cases death had been caused by drugs, whereas acute alcohol poisoning and carbon monoxide accounted for 15% and 14% of the cases, respectively. Alcohol was detected in more than half of the 1029 fatal poisoning cases, and in 42% of all cases the blood alcohol concentration was above 0.8g/kg. In 57% of the cases death was categorized as accidental, only in 31% of the cases as suicide. Accidental deaths were especially predominant amongst drug and/or alcohol abusers. Propoxyphene was the drug found to have caused most fatal poisonings during the decade (30% of the drug-related deaths). Most of the propoxyphene-related deaths occurred during the early and mid-eighties. Barbiturate poisonings were quite frequent during the first half of the eighties. However, the number of deaths caused by barbiturates decreased significantly after 1986, when most barbiturates were withdrawn from the market. The number of deaths caused by narcotics and analgesics increased during the survey period, while no specific tendency was observed concerning antidepressants.
APMIS, 1991
M.: Central nervous system calcifications following tap water rinsing in autopsy material from ch... more M.: Central nervous system calcifications following tap water rinsing in autopsy material from children. A pitfall. APMIS 99: 765-768, 1991. CNS from 80 children collected consecutively at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus, were investigated. Owing to peculiar calcifications of the first 41 CNS examined, we gradually came to suspect that some external factors had influenced the results. Different fixation methods used on the CNS, rinsed or not rinsed in tap water, led us to suggest that the relatively high calcium content in the tap water in our part of the country was the cause. The non-pathologic calcification could presumably mimic metabolic diseases.
Aviation, space, and environmental medicine, 1995
In September 1989 an aircraft carrying 55 people crashed into the sea north of Denmark. There was... more In September 1989 an aircraft carrying 55 people crashed into the sea north of Denmark. There was no warning of the crash. The medico-legal investigation of the accident concentrated on finding clues to the cause of the accident, and identifying the victims, all of whom perished. These were found in two groups--31 were immediately recovered from the surface of the sea and 19 were collected from the sea or shore during the following months. The injuries in the two groups differed, indicating that the aircraft broke up in mid-air. One group probably fell into the sea after a free fall, while the other probably remained in the wreckage until hitting the surface. The victims' injuries showed no evidence of fire or explosion. The technical investigators concluded that the aircraft broke up due to a structural failure in the tail.
Journal Of Whiplash …, 2006
The cervical spine facet joints have a central role in chronic pain syndromes following whiplash ... more The cervical spine facet joints have a central role in chronic pain syndromes following whiplash injuries. In order to improve our understanding of these pain syndromes, a detailed knowledge of the cervical spine anatomy and morphology is needed. Hence, a detailed examination of the cervical spine articular structures is needed and for this purpose we present a specialized histological method that may be employed in post-mortem studies.
Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology, 2015
Homicide in Greenland has not often been investigated. The latest published study documented a dr... more Homicide in Greenland has not often been investigated. The latest published study documented a dramatic rise in the homicide rate from around 1/100,000 inhabitants to more than 23/100,000 inhabitants from 1946 to 1984. The aim of our study was to characterize homicides in Greenland from 1985 to 2010 and to compare trends during this period with those in previous studies and with homicide characteristics in Denmark, northern Europe, and other Arctic regions. We identified a total of 281 homicides by legal definition and 194 by medical definition, the latter from the years 1990 to 2010. We procured case files for a total of 129 victims (71 male, 58 female) and 117 perpetrators (85 male, 32 female). We identified an overall decrease in the homicide rate during our study period. The decrease in the medical homicide rate was significant (p = 0.007). The homicide rate ranged from 25/100,000 inhabitants to 13/100,000 inhabitants when results were grouped within 5-year periods. There were significantly more male perpetrators (p < 0.001) and among female perpetrators there were significantly more male victims (p < 0.001). Sharp force and gunshot-related killings dominated homicide methods (41 and 29 % respectively), with sharp force deaths increasing throughout the investigation period. Altercations were the main motive (49 %). Alcohol-related homicides decreased in our study period. While the Greenlandic homicide rate has decreased, it is markedly higher compared to that seen in Denmark and northern Europe. However, it resembles the rate seen in the rest of the Arctic. Liberal gun laws do not affect the proportion of gun-related killings. Despite the high homicide rate, women account for almost half the victims.
![Research paper thumbnail of Pludselige dødsfald i forbindelse med anholdelse og tvangsfiksering af voldsomt ophidsede personer [Sudden death during apprehension of severely agitated persons]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/70303123/thumbnails/1.jpg)
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International Journal of Legal Medicine, 1991
Drugs addicts are commonly brought to casualty wards where they often pose a diagnostic problem. ... more Drugs addicts are commonly brought to casualty wards where they often pose a diagnostic problem. They are typically brought in unconscious with no signs of disease or trauma. The suspicion of poisoning arises by the finding of fresh injection marks. This paper describes a case in which a young male drug addict was dead on arrival in hospital without recognizable recent injection marks but with some old wounds or necroses in both groins. The autopsy and toxicological analyses revealed that death was caused by an overdose of methadone and that the necroses in the groins were fistulas facilitating administration of the drugs directly into larger veins.
Forensic Science International, 2007
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) still accounts for considerable numbers of unexpected infant ... more Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) still accounts for considerable numbers of unexpected infant deaths in many countries. While numerous theories have been advanced to explain these events, it is increasingly clear that this group of infant deaths results from the complex interaction of a variety of heritable and idiosyncratic endogenous factors interacting with exogenous factors. This has been elegantly summarised in the "three hit" or "triple risk" model. Contradictions and lack of consistencies in the literature have arisen from diverse autopsy approaches, variable applications of diagnostic criteria and inconsistent use of definitions. An approach to sudden infant death is outlined with discussion of appropriate tissue sampling, ancillary investigations and the use of controls in research projects. Standardisation of infant death investigations with the application of uniform definitions and protocols will ensure optimal investigation of individual cases and enable international comparisons of trends.
Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology, 2015
Homicide in Greenland has not often been investigated. The latest published study documented a dr... more Homicide in Greenland has not often been investigated. The latest published study documented a dramatic rise in the homicide rate from around 1/100,000 inhabitants to more than 23/100,000 inhabitants from 1946 to 1984. The aim of our study was to characterize homicides in Greenland from 1985 to 2010 and to compare trends during this period with those in previous studies and with homicide characteristics in Denmark, northern Europe, and other Arctic regions. We identified a total of 281 homicides by legal definition and 194 by medical definition, the latter from the years 1990 to 2010. We procured case files for a total of 129 victims (71 male, 58 female) and 117 perpetrators (85 male, 32 female). We identified an overall decrease in the homicide rate during our study period. The decrease in the medical homicide rate was significant (p = 0.007). The homicide rate ranged from 25/100,000 inhabitants to 13/100,000 inhabitants when results were grouped within 5-year periods. There were significantly more male perpetrators (p < 0.001) and among female perpetrators there were significantly more male victims (p < 0.001). Sharp force and gunshot-related killings dominated homicide methods (41 and 29 % respectively), with sharp force deaths increasing throughout the investigation period. Altercations were the main motive (49 %). Alcohol-related homicides decreased in our study period. While the Greenlandic homicide rate has decreased, it is markedly higher compared to that seen in Denmark and northern Europe. However, it resembles the rate seen in the rest of the Arctic. Liberal gun laws do not affect the proportion of gun-related killings. Despite the high homicide rate, women account for almost half the victims.
International journal of circumpolar health
![Research paper thumbnail of [Low-speed motor vehicle crashes--marginal values for whiplash-associated disorders]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/39792651/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Ugeskrift for laeger, Jan 25, 2008
Whiplash injuries have increased in numbers during recent decades. The highest incidence rates of... more Whiplash injuries have increased in numbers during recent decades. The highest incidence rates of whiplash injury are found in low speed motor vehicle crashes during which many vehicles do not sustain significant property damage despite the fact that occupants may suffer personal injury. This article investigates the relationship between car crash velocity changes and residual vehicular damage in low speed crashes and personal injury thresholds. It can be concluded that a personal injury threshold in relation to velocity change and property damage in low speed motor vehicle crashes cannot be established based on scientific evidence.
![Research paper thumbnail of [Traumatic basal subarachnoid hemorrhage]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/39893989/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Ugeskrift for laeger, Jan 28, 2003
Massive subarachnoid hemorrhage may occur on a traumatic basis. The injury is most often sustaine... more Massive subarachnoid hemorrhage may occur on a traumatic basis. The injury is most often sustained by a blow with a clenched fist against the posterolateral part of the cranial basis, but the injury may also occur in relation to an accident. The condition is rare, most often occurring in alcohol intoxicated men. The victim typically collapses immediately and usually dies within a few minutes. The origin of the bleeding may be the vertebral artery on the neck or the intercranial basal brain arteries. In some cases the origin of the bleeding cannot be located. The pathogenetic mechanisms have been a subject of discussion. The damage to the artery may occur in relation to a fracture of the transverse process of the atlas or in relation to subluxations in the cervical vertebral column. The arterial rupture may occur in both normal and abnormal arteries. In many of the cases the trauma may be very slight. This has, of course, important legal implications.
Forensic Science International, 2011
Acta Paediatrica, 1993
A number of rare inherited metabolic disorders are known to lead to death in infancy. Deficiency ... more A number of rare inherited metabolic disorders are known to lead to death in infancy. Deficiency of medium-chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase has, on clinical grounds, been related particularly to sudden infant death syndrome. The contribution of this disorder to the etiology of sudden infant death syndrome is still a matter of controversy. The present study investigated 120 well-defined cases of sudden infant death syndrome in order to detect the frequency of the most common disease-causing point mutation in the gene coding for medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (G985) compared with the frequency in the general population. A highly specific polymerase chain reaction assay was applied on dried blood spots. No over-representation of homo- or heterozygosity for G985 appears to exist in such a strictly defined population, for which reason it may be more relevant to look at a broader spectrum of clinical presentations of inherited metabolic disorders and examine a wider range of sudden death in infancy.
Ugeskrift for laeger, Jan 21, 2007
Over the years town gas has caused many fatal carbon monoxide poisonings. The aim of this paper i... more Over the years town gas has caused many fatal carbon monoxide poisonings. The aim of this paper is to document the circumstances surrounding town gas deaths in Denmark between 1995-1999 and to trace the development of these deaths in recent decades. A retrospective study of death certificates and report material concerning carbon monoxide deaths in Denmark between 1995-1999 caused by town gas. Of 449 non-fire related carbon monoxide poisonings, 22 (4.9%) were caused by town gas. The deaths consisted of fourteen suicides, six accidents, and two with undetermined manner of death. Ten (71%) of the suicide victims were men and four (29%) were women, with an average age of 48 years (24-82 years); all had turned on two or more gas rings. The accident victims were one man and five women, with an average age of 84 years (77-92 years); all had only turned on one gas ring. The number of town gas deaths has been drastically reduced since 1969, which can be explained by the reduced number of to...
Ugeskrift for laeger, Jan 10, 2004
Ugeskrift for Læger, 2008
Zeitschrift für Rechtsmedizin, 1980
International Journal of Legal Medicine, 1992
In 68% of the cases death had been caused by drugs, whereas acute alcohol poisoning and carbon mo... more In 68% of the cases death had been caused by drugs, whereas acute alcohol poisoning and carbon monoxide accounted for 15% and 14% of the cases, respectively. Alcohol was detected in more than half of the 1029 fatal poisoning cases, and in 42% of all cases the blood alcohol concentration was above 0.8g/kg. In 57% of the cases death was categorized as accidental, only in 31% of the cases as suicide. Accidental deaths were especially predominant amongst drug and/or alcohol abusers. Propoxyphene was the drug found to have caused most fatal poisonings during the decade (30% of the drug-related deaths). Most of the propoxyphene-related deaths occurred during the early and mid-eighties. Barbiturate poisonings were quite frequent during the first half of the eighties. However, the number of deaths caused by barbiturates decreased significantly after 1986, when most barbiturates were withdrawn from the market. The number of deaths caused by narcotics and analgesics increased during the survey period, while no specific tendency was observed concerning antidepressants.
APMIS, 1991
M.: Central nervous system calcifications following tap water rinsing in autopsy material from ch... more M.: Central nervous system calcifications following tap water rinsing in autopsy material from children. A pitfall. APMIS 99: 765-768, 1991. CNS from 80 children collected consecutively at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus, were investigated. Owing to peculiar calcifications of the first 41 CNS examined, we gradually came to suspect that some external factors had influenced the results. Different fixation methods used on the CNS, rinsed or not rinsed in tap water, led us to suggest that the relatively high calcium content in the tap water in our part of the country was the cause. The non-pathologic calcification could presumably mimic metabolic diseases.
Aviation, space, and environmental medicine, 1995
In September 1989 an aircraft carrying 55 people crashed into the sea north of Denmark. There was... more In September 1989 an aircraft carrying 55 people crashed into the sea north of Denmark. There was no warning of the crash. The medico-legal investigation of the accident concentrated on finding clues to the cause of the accident, and identifying the victims, all of whom perished. These were found in two groups--31 were immediately recovered from the surface of the sea and 19 were collected from the sea or shore during the following months. The injuries in the two groups differed, indicating that the aircraft broke up in mid-air. One group probably fell into the sea after a free fall, while the other probably remained in the wreckage until hitting the surface. The victims' injuries showed no evidence of fire or explosion. The technical investigators concluded that the aircraft broke up due to a structural failure in the tail.
Journal Of Whiplash …, 2006
The cervical spine facet joints have a central role in chronic pain syndromes following whiplash ... more The cervical spine facet joints have a central role in chronic pain syndromes following whiplash injuries. In order to improve our understanding of these pain syndromes, a detailed knowledge of the cervical spine anatomy and morphology is needed. Hence, a detailed examination of the cervical spine articular structures is needed and for this purpose we present a specialized histological method that may be employed in post-mortem studies.
Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology, 2015
Homicide in Greenland has not often been investigated. The latest published study documented a dr... more Homicide in Greenland has not often been investigated. The latest published study documented a dramatic rise in the homicide rate from around 1/100,000 inhabitants to more than 23/100,000 inhabitants from 1946 to 1984. The aim of our study was to characterize homicides in Greenland from 1985 to 2010 and to compare trends during this period with those in previous studies and with homicide characteristics in Denmark, northern Europe, and other Arctic regions. We identified a total of 281 homicides by legal definition and 194 by medical definition, the latter from the years 1990 to 2010. We procured case files for a total of 129 victims (71 male, 58 female) and 117 perpetrators (85 male, 32 female). We identified an overall decrease in the homicide rate during our study period. The decrease in the medical homicide rate was significant (p = 0.007). The homicide rate ranged from 25/100,000 inhabitants to 13/100,000 inhabitants when results were grouped within 5-year periods. There were significantly more male perpetrators (p < 0.001) and among female perpetrators there were significantly more male victims (p < 0.001). Sharp force and gunshot-related killings dominated homicide methods (41 and 29 % respectively), with sharp force deaths increasing throughout the investigation period. Altercations were the main motive (49 %). Alcohol-related homicides decreased in our study period. While the Greenlandic homicide rate has decreased, it is markedly higher compared to that seen in Denmark and northern Europe. However, it resembles the rate seen in the rest of the Arctic. Liberal gun laws do not affect the proportion of gun-related killings. Despite the high homicide rate, women account for almost half the victims.
International Journal of Legal Medicine, 1991
Drugs addicts are commonly brought to casualty wards where they often pose a diagnostic problem. ... more Drugs addicts are commonly brought to casualty wards where they often pose a diagnostic problem. They are typically brought in unconscious with no signs of disease or trauma. The suspicion of poisoning arises by the finding of fresh injection marks. This paper describes a case in which a young male drug addict was dead on arrival in hospital without recognizable recent injection marks but with some old wounds or necroses in both groins. The autopsy and toxicological analyses revealed that death was caused by an overdose of methadone and that the necroses in the groins were fistulas facilitating administration of the drugs directly into larger veins.
Forensic Science International, 2007
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) still accounts for considerable numbers of unexpected infant ... more Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) still accounts for considerable numbers of unexpected infant deaths in many countries. While numerous theories have been advanced to explain these events, it is increasingly clear that this group of infant deaths results from the complex interaction of a variety of heritable and idiosyncratic endogenous factors interacting with exogenous factors. This has been elegantly summarised in the "three hit" or "triple risk" model. Contradictions and lack of consistencies in the literature have arisen from diverse autopsy approaches, variable applications of diagnostic criteria and inconsistent use of definitions. An approach to sudden infant death is outlined with discussion of appropriate tissue sampling, ancillary investigations and the use of controls in research projects. Standardisation of infant death investigations with the application of uniform definitions and protocols will ensure optimal investigation of individual cases and enable international comparisons of trends.
Forensic Science, Medicine, and Pathology, 2015
Homicide in Greenland has not often been investigated. The latest published study documented a dr... more Homicide in Greenland has not often been investigated. The latest published study documented a dramatic rise in the homicide rate from around 1/100,000 inhabitants to more than 23/100,000 inhabitants from 1946 to 1984. The aim of our study was to characterize homicides in Greenland from 1985 to 2010 and to compare trends during this period with those in previous studies and with homicide characteristics in Denmark, northern Europe, and other Arctic regions. We identified a total of 281 homicides by legal definition and 194 by medical definition, the latter from the years 1990 to 2010. We procured case files for a total of 129 victims (71 male, 58 female) and 117 perpetrators (85 male, 32 female). We identified an overall decrease in the homicide rate during our study period. The decrease in the medical homicide rate was significant (p = 0.007). The homicide rate ranged from 25/100,000 inhabitants to 13/100,000 inhabitants when results were grouped within 5-year periods. There were significantly more male perpetrators (p < 0.001) and among female perpetrators there were significantly more male victims (p < 0.001). Sharp force and gunshot-related killings dominated homicide methods (41 and 29 % respectively), with sharp force deaths increasing throughout the investigation period. Altercations were the main motive (49 %). Alcohol-related homicides decreased in our study period. While the Greenlandic homicide rate has decreased, it is markedly higher compared to that seen in Denmark and northern Europe. However, it resembles the rate seen in the rest of the Arctic. Liberal gun laws do not affect the proportion of gun-related killings. Despite the high homicide rate, women account for almost half the victims.
International journal of circumpolar health
Ugeskrift for laeger, Jan 25, 2008
Whiplash injuries have increased in numbers during recent decades. The highest incidence rates of... more Whiplash injuries have increased in numbers during recent decades. The highest incidence rates of whiplash injury are found in low speed motor vehicle crashes during which many vehicles do not sustain significant property damage despite the fact that occupants may suffer personal injury. This article investigates the relationship between car crash velocity changes and residual vehicular damage in low speed crashes and personal injury thresholds. It can be concluded that a personal injury threshold in relation to velocity change and property damage in low speed motor vehicle crashes cannot be established based on scientific evidence.
Ugeskrift for laeger, Jan 28, 2003
Massive subarachnoid hemorrhage may occur on a traumatic basis. The injury is most often sustaine... more Massive subarachnoid hemorrhage may occur on a traumatic basis. The injury is most often sustained by a blow with a clenched fist against the posterolateral part of the cranial basis, but the injury may also occur in relation to an accident. The condition is rare, most often occurring in alcohol intoxicated men. The victim typically collapses immediately and usually dies within a few minutes. The origin of the bleeding may be the vertebral artery on the neck or the intercranial basal brain arteries. In some cases the origin of the bleeding cannot be located. The pathogenetic mechanisms have been a subject of discussion. The damage to the artery may occur in relation to a fracture of the transverse process of the atlas or in relation to subluxations in the cervical vertebral column. The arterial rupture may occur in both normal and abnormal arteries. In many of the cases the trauma may be very slight. This has, of course, important legal implications.
Forensic Science International, 2011
Acta Paediatrica, 1993
A number of rare inherited metabolic disorders are known to lead to death in infancy. Deficiency ... more A number of rare inherited metabolic disorders are known to lead to death in infancy. Deficiency of medium-chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase has, on clinical grounds, been related particularly to sudden infant death syndrome. The contribution of this disorder to the etiology of sudden infant death syndrome is still a matter of controversy. The present study investigated 120 well-defined cases of sudden infant death syndrome in order to detect the frequency of the most common disease-causing point mutation in the gene coding for medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (G985) compared with the frequency in the general population. A highly specific polymerase chain reaction assay was applied on dried blood spots. No over-representation of homo- or heterozygosity for G985 appears to exist in such a strictly defined population, for which reason it may be more relevant to look at a broader spectrum of clinical presentations of inherited metabolic disorders and examine a wider range of sudden death in infancy.
Ugeskrift for laeger, Jan 21, 2007
Over the years town gas has caused many fatal carbon monoxide poisonings. The aim of this paper i... more Over the years town gas has caused many fatal carbon monoxide poisonings. The aim of this paper is to document the circumstances surrounding town gas deaths in Denmark between 1995-1999 and to trace the development of these deaths in recent decades. A retrospective study of death certificates and report material concerning carbon monoxide deaths in Denmark between 1995-1999 caused by town gas. Of 449 non-fire related carbon monoxide poisonings, 22 (4.9%) were caused by town gas. The deaths consisted of fourteen suicides, six accidents, and two with undetermined manner of death. Ten (71%) of the suicide victims were men and four (29%) were women, with an average age of 48 years (24-82 years); all had turned on two or more gas rings. The accident victims were one man and five women, with an average age of 84 years (77-92 years); all had only turned on one gas ring. The number of town gas deaths has been drastically reduced since 1969, which can be explained by the reduced number of to...
Ugeskrift for laeger, Jan 10, 2004