PATTERN OF SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED NATURAL DEATHS- A REVIEW OF AUTOPSY CASES FROM 2012 to 2016
Journal Title: Journal of Evolution of Medical and Dental Sciences - Year 2017, Vol 6, Issue 59
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sudden, unexplained and unexpected deaths are often a shock to the society. The cause of death being unknown, the body is subjected to an autopsy to determine the same. It is important to identify the characteristics of the population involved and the pattern of occurrence of such deaths to predict or prevent these terminal events. The aim of this study is to identify various causes, risk factors, age and sex distribution associated with sudden and unexpected natural deaths (will be mentioned as SUNDs hereafter) in adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS The post-mortem registers, post-mortem detailed notes, KPF inquest forms and other relevant laboratory investigations of the cases that died due to SUNDs within the study period (2012-2016) were examined. RESULTS Of the total 7608 cases brought for autopsy at Government Medical College, Thrissur during the study period, 617 cases were due to SUNDs out of which 27.9% were in the age group between 51 to 60 years and 26.4% were between 41 and 50 years, predominantly being males (84.6%). Cardiac causes (74.1%) were more compared to noncardiac causes, which included respiratory (11.2%), central nervous system (7.6%), gastrointestinal system (6.3%), genitourinary system (0.5%), endocrine system (0.2%) and multiorgan dysfunction causes (0.2%). The important system responsible for SUNDs was CVS among all the other causes in adults over 40 years of age and was mainly due to coronary artery disease (62.9%). The maximum occurrence of SUNDs being at home (48.8%). CONCLUSION The productive age group of the society is at greater risk for SUNDs. Hence, seeking timely health advice, adequate patient awareness and modifications in diet and lifestyle can have a beneficiary effect.
Authors and Affiliations
Balaram N. A, Aiswarya Sethumadhavan
Keywords
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- EP ID EP226320
- DOI 10.14260/Jemds/2017/939
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