Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.3325/cmj.2017.58.34
Glucose metabolism in completed suicide: a forensic-pathological pilot study
Jonas Forsman
; Neuro division, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Terhi Keltanen
; Hjelt Institute, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Benny Liberg
; Division of Medical Imaging and Technology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Antti Sajantila
; Hjelt Institute, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Thomas Masterman
; Neuro division, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
Katarina Lindroos
; Hjelt Institute, Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Abstract
Aim To determine whether antemortem blood levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and glucose predict completed suicide and, by extension, whether markers of glucose metabolism might be associated with a prosuicidal trait or state.
Method From consecutively performed autopsies, samples of blood and vitreous humor from 17 suicide victims and 27 non-suicide controls were compared with regard to levels of glucose, lactate, and HbA1c.
Results Mean HbA1c was higher, and mean estimated blood glucose lower, among suicide victims, although tests revealed no significant differences (P = 0.171 and P = 0.395, respectively). HbA1c levels exceeding 48.0 mmol/mol, which were indicative of persistent hyperglycemia, were twice as common in suicide victims (59% vs 30%; P = 0.068).
Conclusion The finding of this pilot study suggest that deranged glucose metabolism may reflect biological events antecedent to, or concomitant with, completed suicide, with the following clinical implications: recurring hyperglycemia due to defective glucose transport, which may give rise to depression and suicidal ideation, and elevated HbA1c levels, which may represent an assayable correlate to neurobiological conditions predisposing to suicide.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
181405
URI
Publication date:
15.2.2017.
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