Pattern of Mortality in Sudden Natural Death in North Delhi A Prospective Autopsy Study Gupta Neha1,*, Panigrahi MK2 1Assistant Professor, Head of the Department, Department of Forensic Medicine, Hindurao Hospital and NDMC Medical College, Malkaganj, Delhi 2MBBS, MD, Head of the Department, Department of Forensic Medicine, Hindurao Hospital and NDMC Medical College, Malkaganj, Delhi *Corresponding author: Neha Gupta, Phone- +919999914234, Email- neha_anil_gupta@yahoo.com
Online published on 8 August, 2019. Abstract Objectives In every population, the pattern of sudden natural deaths is often associated with the epidemiologic profile of certain common killer diseases. The common belief has been that infectious/communicable diseases are the most common reasons of mortality. However, changing lifestyle, increasing literacy level and advanced healthcare fascilities in India have impacted immensely on the causes of death. We, therefore, planned to determine the etiology and epidemiologic characteristics of sudden death at Hindurao hospital at North Delhi. The high incidence of sudden, unexpected death in the heart of the capital city is still an enigma and hence we decided to analyse the cases of sudden death in the last two years at our hospital. This study was conducted to illustrate etiolopathology, risk factors and triggers of sudden death with the aim to provide new insight in epidemiological aspects of sudden death. This should help in care of patients, and prevention of sudden death. Method A prospective study of 124 cases of sudden death was conducted at a tertiary care hospital at North Delhi. After evaluating detailed history from the family members, autopsy has been performed to find out cause of sudden death. Results The main etiology of sudden death is cardiovascular disease. Highest numbers of sudden death are in old age group. Male patients succumbed to sudden death more which may be related to multiple comorbidities in them. Sudden deaths were more encountered during winters and in morning hours. There are some autopsy negative cases, which are unexplained sudden death. Conclusions Cardiovascular, respiratory disorders and central nervous system were the major causes of sudden natural death. Seasonal variation of sudden death especially from respiratory causes may be attributed to rise in pollution and poor air quality during winter season in Delhi. Top Keywords Autopsy, Sudden death, sudden cardiac death. Top |