Pattern of Asphyxial Deaths in Forensic Autopsies

Authors

  • Naseem Akhtar, Sono Mal, Azra Anwar, Aisha Rasheed, Ijaz Aziz, Ishtiaque Ali Langah

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53350/pjmhs2216395

Keywords:

Forensic autopsy, Asphyxia, Drowning, hanging, Strangulation

Abstract

Aim: To observe the pattern of the asphyxial deaths among the medicolegal autopsies.

Study design: Prospective observational study

Place and duration of study: Medicolegal Section, Liaquat University Hospital, Hyderabad from 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2019.

Methodology: One hundred and forty seven autopsies were characterized as asphyxial. The data was obtained from forensic autopsy reports and was collected in a preformed data collection sheet after acquiring consent of close relatives.

Results: There were 107 males and 40 females. Most of the subjects belonged to age group of adults (≥19 to <60 years) followed by age group of teens (13-18 years). The medicolegal autopsy was performed for 58 and 49 deceased from urban and rural areas, respectively. The asphyxial deaths were characterized as drowning (57.82%), hanging (16.32%), strangulation (14.28%), suffocation (8.16%), and throttling (3.40%).

Conclusion: The drowning was the most common mechanism of asphyxia in medicolegal autopsies. The hanging also contributed substantial number in asphyxial deaths. Most types of asphyxia were higher in males of adult age than in females.

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How to Cite

Naseem Akhtar, Sono Mal, Azra Anwar, Aisha Rasheed, Ijaz Aziz, Ishtiaque Ali Langah. (2022). Pattern of Asphyxial Deaths in Forensic Autopsies. Pakistan Journal of Medical & Health Sciences, 16(03), 95. https://doi.org/10.53350/pjmhs2216395