Pattern of deaths in paediatric population- An autopsy based study done at a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi

The study was done retrospectively at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi to assess the pattern of Paediatric deaths among total paediatric autopsies conducted from year 2019–2021. All Deaths among the individuals less than 18 years of age were studied and statistical analysis was done. During the three-year study period from year 2019–2021, 41.2% were females and 58.8% were males in total 17 paediatric autopsies conducted in the year 2019. 60% female, 40% male among total 15 cases in the year 2020 and 58.3% female, 41.7% male among total 12 cases of paediatric autopsies conducted in the year 2021. On distribution of number of cases in a particular year of study as per the manners of paediatric autopsy cases conducted from year 2019–2021, 40% accidental deaths were recorded in 2019 and 2020 each. The accidental deaths were recorded in 20% cases in the year 2021 among total cases of paediatric autopsy done. Total number of homicidal deaths recorded was 50%, 12.5% and 37.5% in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. The natural cause of death was in 38.5% cases in the year 2019; 46.2% and 15.4% were died of natural cause in the 2020 and 2021, respectively. Total number of suicidal deaths recorded was 25% in 2019 and 2020 each year and 50% in 2021. Out of total number of cases 23% and 21% were having history of hospital deaths and fall from height, respectively. Out of the total cases of paediatric autopsy done 16% cases each were died due to asphyxia deaths and septic shock. The cerebral damage was cause of death in 14% cases and 11% cases each were died of craniocerebral damage and haemorrhagic shock. The bilateral pneumonitis was cause of death in 7% cases and 5% cases each were died of strangulation, aspiration pneumonia, poisoning.     

Neoplastic disease in a medicolegal autopsy material

Summary Only a small fraction of sudden unexpected deaths are caused by neoplastic disease and thus subject to medicolegal autopsy. The medicolegal autopsy forms an opportunity to study not only medically diagnosed and treated neoplasms, but also the natural evolution of untreated disease. In a series of 7,020 consecutive medicolegal autopsies in northern Sweden, we found 171 cases with malignant and/or intracranial neoplasms.In 41 cases, sudden death was caused by previously unknown tumors. The most common mechanisms of death in this group were disseminated cancer, intracranial tumors, pulmonary thromboembolism, hemoptysis, and aspiration of blood, and the most common locations were the bronchi and the lung. In some of these cases, the mechanism was sometimes dramatic, raising a question of violent death or intoxication. In 30 cases, sudden unexpected death was caused by previously known tumors, and also in this group disseminated cancer was the most common cause of death, and the most common locations were the bronchi and the lung.In 22 cases, tumors were found in suicidal cases; in 14 of these, the tumor was considered to be a major causative factor to the suicide, while in eight cases the tumor was considered to be an incidental finding. The expected number of cancers in the 1,060 suicides investigated in this series was 27, according to the official cancer prevalence data. Thus, a possible over-representation of suicides among persons with cancer seems doubtful and needs further exploration.     

Firearm-related deaths in Brescia (Northern Italy) between 1994 and 2006: A retrospective study

This retrospective study analyzes post-mortem examination data of 164 firearm-related casualties recorded by the Brescia, Italy Institute of Forensic Medicine between the years 1994 and 2006. The following variables were considered: year, month and day of death, gender and age of the victim, manner of death (homicide, suicide, accidental), type of weapon used, anatomical site and number of wounds, scene of death, and, whenever requested by the local District Attorney’s Office, results of the toxicological examinations conducted on the corpses of the deceased.In the County of Brescia, Italy, the 2006 firearm-related mortality rate amounted to 0.84 per 100,000 residents, with an average of 12.6 cases per year. The most common manner of death was suicide (60.4%), followed by homicide (35.9%) and accidental death (3.7%). Most victims were male, with an average age of 47.2 in cases of suicide, 37.9 in cases of homicide, and 47.5 in cases of accidental death. Considering all of the death manners contemplated in this study, the weapon types most frequently resorted to were single-action, short-barrelled guns, followed by multiple-action, long-barrelled ones. In cases of suicide, entry wounds were primarily situated on the head (right temple) and chest (precordium), while in cases of homicide no conclusions could be drawn as to the entry wounds’ predominant location.     

Tramadol deaths in Northern Ireland: A review of cases from 1996 to 2012

In the UK tramadol is a frequently prescribed opioid analgesic which is becoming increasingly popular as a drug of misuse. Its use varies worldwide and in the last decade it has been upgraded to a controlled substance in several countries, due to an increased number of deaths associated with its use.A review of all deaths associated with tramadol in Northern Ireland was performed and this highlighted 127 cases from 1996 to the end of 2012. A 10% increase in deaths due to tramadol was noted. In 2001 tramadol deaths represented 9% of all drug misuse deaths rising to 40% in 2011. The majority of the deaths occurred in males (62%), with a median age of 41 years, living in the Belfast city area (36%). Tramadol fatalities were found in combination with other drugs/medicines (49%), alcohol (36%) or alone (23%). Most of those who died did not reach hospital, with only 2% presenting with multi-organ or acute liver failure. In just over half of the deaths tramadol had not been prescribed by a medical practitioner (53%). Depression, addiction and seizures were recognised risk factors.An increase in awareness of tramadol toxicity is needed amongst the public and doctors.     

Suicidal childhood deaths with firearms in Antalya,Turkey

The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of suicidal childhood deaths with the use of firearms that occurred from 2000 to 2009 in Antalya.The autopsy reports of the Antalya branch of the Turkish Forensic Medicine Council and judicial records were reviewed retrospectively. There were 60 suicidal deaths between 0 and 18 years of age. Firearms were used in 20 cases (11 males, 9 females). The shotgun (n = 15) was the most frequently used weapon. The site of bullet entries were the chest (n = 6), abdomen (n = 5), right temple (n = 5), mouth (n = 2) and neck (n = 2). Most suicides (n = 16) were in the home.In contrast to many other studies, the most frequently used weapon for suicides was the shotgun in this study.     

Morphine in postmortem blood: its importance for the diagnosis of deaths associated with opiate addiction

Summary This article describes an analytical method for the determination of morphine, the active metabolite of heroin, in post-mortem blood by HPLC with electrochemical detection. An extraction technique allowing the determination of free and total morphine (free morphine + morphine glucuronide) was used. Blood morphine levels in postmortem cases are reported and the ratio of free to total morphine was measured in 52 cases obtained at autopsy. The importance of this ratio is discussed in relation to the circumstances of the death.     

Review of washing machine-related deaths in South Korea

We reviewed data on washing machine–related deaths between 2008 and 2020 in South Korea to analyze the case characteristics, manners of death, and causes of death. Washing machine–related deaths are very rare, and only 23 incidents were identified over the study period. Of these cases, 19 (82.6%) were related to general pulsator-type top load washing machines; the other 4 (17.4%) were related to front-load washing machines. The pulsator-type top load washing machine–related deaths occurred in people aged between 40 and 93 years (mean age, 68 years), including 9 men (47.4%) and 10 women (52.6%). The manners of death among the incidents were suicide in 12 cases (63.2%), accident in 6 cases (31.6%), and unknown in 1 case (5.3%). A Medline search of the English literature currently does not yield results for washing machine–related suicidal deaths in adults. Of the 12 suicide cases, 4 were autopsied; suicidal death was determined by postmortem investigation or based on suicide notes. Washing machine–related suicidal deaths are presumed to have characteristics similar to those of bathtub suicidal deaths. The front-load washing machine–related deaths involved boys aged between 6 and 8 years, and all cases were concluded as accidents. The cause of death was hypoxia resulting from the children being accidentally trapped inside the washing machine while playing. Greater attention to vulnerable groups, especially children and older adults, is required to reduce the rate of washing machine–related accidental or suicidal deaths.     

Characteristics of drowning deaths in an inner city river

A study was undertaken of all drowning deaths that occurred over a 30-year period from 1988 to 2017 in the urban section of the River Torrens, Adelaide, South Australia, an augmented waterway that runs through the central business district. Autopsy records from Forensic Science South Australia (FSSA) were reviewed. There were 34 drownings (0–5 cases/yr) with 28 males and 6 females (M;F = 4.6:1), with an age range for males of 18-76yrs (mean 42.0; SD 18.0) and for females of 20-84yrs (mean 69.3; SD 24.5). There were 15 (44%) accidents, 11 (32%) suicides, 1 (3%) homicide and 7 (21%) undetermined. Of the 22 cases during or after 1994 with complete toxicology reports, 10 (45%) had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of greater than 0.05% (g/100 mL) with an illicit substance detected in 4 (18%) cases: (MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine), methylamphetamine and THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) acid). The presence of various therapeutic drugs was also detected in 10 cases (45%) including temazepam, fluoxetine, diazepam, olanzapine, amitriptyline, carbamazepine, codeine, citalopram and valproate. Although the numbers of cases were not high, the urban portion of the River Torrens had a much higher number of drowning events per kilometre compared to other inland waterways in South Australia such as the Murray River. This is most likely due to the vulnerability that exists for intoxicated individuals in the city from falls into the water and to the availability of the river as a means of suicide to members of the adjacent urban population.     

Autopsy findings in deaths following a medical procedure

In South Australia it is mandatory to report to the Coroner any death that occurs during, as a result of, or within 24 h of a surgical or an invasive medical or diagnostic procedure. This study was performed to address the question of how often an autopsy directed by the Coroner will reveal death resulted from a complication of a surgical or an invasive medical or diagnostic procedure and to document the complications that were encountered relating to procedures that had been performed during admission to a hospital. A review of Coronial cases that had been investigated by post-mortem examination identified 35 deaths resulting from complications arising from 223 cases that had undergone an autopsy following death subsequent to a surgical or invasive medical or diagnostic procedure. However, due to case selection it was not possible to deduce overall rates of death arising from complications of procedures. Nonetheless, the study confirms the role of the autopsy in identifying or excluding procedure-related complications.     

259例北京市道路交通事故死亡分析

目的了解北京市交通伤害死亡的流行病学特点,为有关部门制定预防和控制交通伤害措施提供科学依据。方法按照死者性别、年龄、职业、事故发生时间、道路行为方式、肇事车型、死亡原因等相关参数,对2004～2009年北京市急救中心收集的道路交通致死事故进行回顾性分析。结果共收集道路交通致死事故259例,死者男女性别比为2.45:1,21～50岁为高发人群(69.11%)。以23:00～1:00时段致死车祸发生频率最高(15.08%);7～8月和10～11月致死事故高发,分别为20.85%、23.17%;从一周分布上来看,星期三发生率最低(11.97%),最常发生于星期六(17.37%)、星期日(16.22%)。死者的职业前两位为工人(39.00%)、农民(15.83%);受伤部位以颅脑损伤为主(81.85%)。死者主要道路行为方式为步行(47.49%)、骑自行车(21.24%);肇事车辆多见于小型汽车(65.64%)。2005年后致死事故总体呈现下降趋势。结论需要加强对行人和驾驶人员的交通安全教育,提高交通安全意识。交管部门应严格执法,尤其应加强夜间及周末的执法力度,加强对电动自行车的管理,重视轨道交通安全设施建设。     

Cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death in infancy: implication for the medicolegal investigation

Genetically transmitted diseases are an important cause of juvenile sudden cardiac death (SCD). In a considerable proportion of individuals in which a medicolegal investigation is performed, structural heart disease is absent, and the medical examiner fails to discover an adequate cause of death. In such cases, an inherited arrhythmogenic disease should be considered, which manifests with life-threatening ventricular tachycardia or SCD. Molecular diagnosis is progressively becoming an important tool for these questions. Therefore, postmortem genetic testing (“molecular autopsy”) should be considered as a part of the comprehensive medicolegal investigation in SCD cases without apparent structural heart disease. It will have implications not only for the deceased individual but also for living family members in preventing (further) cardiac events by expert counseling, appropriate lifestyle adjustment, and adequate treatment, if available.     

The incidence of iatrogenic deaths in the Finnish cause-of-death statistics; a retrospective study

PurposeAn adverse event in health care leading to death is a significant event when assessing patient safety. This study was designed in order to assess, how many iatrogenic deaths are registered in Finland annually, and what type of treatment they are mostly related to.MethodsMaterial was collected using cause of death-statistics that includes “manner of death”-classification in Finland in 2014–2015.ResultsThere were 350 cases that met the criteria of the study. In a majority of the cases (264, 75%), a medico-legal autopsy was performed. This represents only 1.4% of all medicolegal autopsies during the study period in Finland. The cases were most often related to medication (30%) or known high-risk procedures such as gastrointestinal surgery (23%) and cardiothoracic surgery (11%). Only 12% of the cases had no prior significant medical history. Patient characteristics were somewhat different among the surgical disciplines, probably reflecting treatment practices.ConclusionDeaths that are classified as iatrogenic are mostly related to known high-risk surgery or medication. Further studies are needed to assess the true incidence of malpractice among this material.     

Causes of death in a series of decedents with cerebral palsy in a medicolegal context

Retrospective analysis was undertaken of all autopsy reports where cerebral palsy had been documented at Forensic Science SA, South Australia, over an 18 year period from 1998–2015. Forty-eight cases were identified (M:F 29:19; age range 2–78 years; mean 37.8 years). The majority of deaths were due to respiratory complications (N = 17; 35.4%), with pneumonia being responsible for 12 fatalities (25%). Cardiovascular disease was the next leading cause of death (N = 9; 18.8%), with ischaemic heart disease accounting for eight fatalities (16.7%) Other categories of death were epilepsy (N = 8; 16.7%), gastrointestinal complications (N = 5; 10.4%), burns (N = 2; 4.2%), and miscellaneous (N = 7; 14.6%). The highest number of deaths occurred from 31–40 years (N = 11), followed by 21–30 years (N = 10). The number of deaths increased over time, with nine deaths from 1998–2003, 19 from 2004–2009, and 20 from 2010–2015. While cerebral palsy is associated with reduced life expectancy, survival into later adult life is possible.     

Three sudden deaths in men associated with undiagnosed chronic thyroiditis

Three cases of sudden death associated with undiagnosed chronic thyroiditis are described. All were young or middle-aged men who were found dead, and death appeared to have occurred suddenly. Two of them had not previously experienced any serious medical problems, the third suffered from well-controlled Addison's disease. None had been investigated or treated for thyroid disease previously. Microscopically all showed a severe chronic thyroiditis with parenchymal destruction and reactive hyperplasia of the acinar epithelium. In the first case elevated triiodothyronin (T3), thyroxin (T4) and low thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were present, in the second case low T3 and T4 and normal TSH, and in the third an isolated elevation of T3 were found. Anti-thyroid antibodies were found in two cases. The possible causal relationship between silent chronic autoimmune thyroiditis and sudden death is discussed.     

An empirical analysis of suicidal death trends in India: A 5 year retrospective study

Suicide, a major problem worldwide, continues to be a criminal offence in most of the developing countries of the world, including India. This paper retrospectively examines the latest trends and the relevant determinants of the suicidal deaths in one of the most important city of central India- Nagpur of Maharashtra state, carried out for a period of 5 years i.e. 2009–2013. Total 2036 cases were analyzed. An alarmingly increasing trend in the rate of suicides has been observed in the region, which increased from 16% to 22.68% during the study period. The male to female suicide ratio was found to be 2.50:1. The rate of suicidal deaths ranged from 15.34 to 21.74 per 100,000 populations. Hanging was found to be the most preferred mean adopted for suicide by males (54.77%) and females (47.65%), while, Family problems was the most common cause of suicide among both male (38.25%) and female (52.65%). The Suicides were concentrated in the age group of 30–44 years for males (35.76%), while in the age group of 15–29 years for females (51.75%). The prevalence was higher among the people who were married, being as high as 1099 (66.73%) males and 372 (56.45%) females. Highest trend has been found among the people with matriculate/secondary education level. The males with job in private sector accounted for 1007 suicides (61.14%) and 434 (65.86%) females in the category of housewives (non-working, homemakers) committed the same.     

The problem of determining the manner of death as suicide or accident in borderline cases

Summary The purpose of this study was to check the reliability of the classification of death in cases regarded primarily as accidents or undetermined. The material used for the analysis consisted of the documents of autopsies performed at our department in 1981. There were altogether 283 cases of suicides, accidents or undetermined deaths, accounting for 8.4% of total mortality, and of these 180 cases were of the two last categories. In 125 cases primarily regarded as non-suicides (accidents or undetermined) there were some features of suicide leading to reclassification as probable suicide in 24 cases. Fifteen of these were primarily poisoning accidents, mainly alcohol intoxications. The result indicates that the suicide rate would be 3.7% instead of 3.0% of the total mortality.It may thus be concluded that the official figure for suicides could be as much as 18.9% smaller than the actual figure.     

The indicators associated with increasing suicide trends: Need for harmony in discussing suicide in legal medicine and other fields

Each year in Japan from 1990 to 1997, approx. 21,000–24,000 individuals committed suicide. In 1998, the number of suicides increased to >30,000, and a trend of high suicide numbers then persisted for >10 years. Although Japan’s annual number of suicides has recently been decreasing, it remains among the highest worldwide. Herein, we assessed the annual suicide data (numbers and rates) related to three economic and life indicators: (1) the difference between actual income and consumer spending of one average month per year in one household, (2) the annual difference between exports and imports, and (3) the annual total debt determined by statistical analyses for both sexes/males/females during the 40-year period from 1979 to 2018 in Japan. Our findings indicated that [1] total debt may be associated with both the number of suicides and the suicide rate for both sexes, for males, and for females, and [2] the difference between actual income and consumer spending may be associated with both the number of suicides and the suicide rate only in females. These findings revealed factors that are clearly suicide-related, and it is necessary to design suicide prevention strategies based on the factors. Relevant public and private entities should become aware of the involvement of both debt and the difference between income and spending in suicide trends as they plan suicide prevention measures. Further analyses of suicide data should be performed in a wide range of fields including legal medicine, toward a greater understanding of suicide risk factors.