Correlation of Internal Organ Weights with Body Weight and Body Height in Normal Adults in Kerala - An Autopsy Study

Abstract

Background: Internal organ weight is an important parameter in forensic medicine and pathology for distinguishing normal from pathological organs during autopsy. Organ weights are influenced by age, sex, body weight, height, BMI (Body Mass Index), ethnicity, and environmental factors. Since most available reference values are based on Western populations and limited data exist for the Kerala population, establishing regional reference values is essential for accurate medicolegal interpretation.

Methods: A descriptive autopsy-based study was conducted on 500 individuals aged up to 40 years who underwent medicolegal autopsy at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Ernakulam, between December 2022 and December 2023. Consecutive sampling was used. Decomposed, charred, unknown, grossly pathological, severely injured organs, and cases treated for more than 24 hours before death were excluded. Organ weights and anthropometric measurements were recorded using a structured proforma and analyzed using SPSS.

Results: In males, the mean weights of the brain, heart, liver, and right kidney were 1301.65 g, 273.92 g, 1361.01 g, and 99.95 g, respectively. In females, the corresponding values were 1295.25 g, 266.99 g, 1336.43 g, and 97.47 g. Most internal organs weighed more in males than females, except the left adrenal gland and thyroid gland, which showed similar or slightly higher values in females. The weights of the brain, heart, lungs, liver, and right kidney demonstrated significant positive correlations with body weight, height, and BMI in both sexes.

Conclusion: This study provides population-specific reference values for internal organ weights among adults in Kerala. The significant relationship between organ weights and anthropometric parameters highlights the importance of using regional standards to improve the accuracy of forensic autopsy interpretation and pathological assessment.