PETALING JAYA: No illegal substances were found in the body of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, according to a post-mortem examination carried out on her remains.
However, the Kota Kinabalu Coroner’s Court was informed that laboratory tests detected an anti-seizure drug known as Phenytoin in her kidney tissue, Sinar Harian reported.
Queen Elizabeth Hospital pathologist Dr Jessie Hiu said the drug is commonly used to treat epilepsy, as well as prescribed as a preventive measure against seizures in patients with severe traumatic brain injuries.
“Toxicology analysis by the Chemistry Department did not detect any common drugs in the deceased’s liver sample. However, Phenytoin was found in the kidney tissue.
“The drug is used to treat epilepsy and is also commonly given as a preventive treatment in cases of severe traumatic brain injury to reduce the risk of early seizures following trauma,” she testified.
Dr Jessie was the first witness to testify at the inquest into Zara Qairina’s death at the Coroner’s Court in Kota Kinabalu on Wednesday (Sept 3).
She also said that during the autopsy, several samples were collected, including from the sternum, ribs, fingernails, vaginal, anal and perineal swabs, for DNA profiling.
In addition, liver and kidney samples were taken and sent to the Chemistry Department for drug and toxicology analysis.
All specimens, she added, were handed over to the investigating officer along with specimen handling forms, case items and related official documents for further examination.
Dr Jessie further told the court that examinations were also conducted on the external genitalia, hymen, vaginal canal, perineum and anus of the deceased.
“However, the examination showed no signs of swelling, bruising, tearing or injury, and the hymen was found to be intact,” she said.
