Array of Unnatural Deaths: A Study of Medico Legal Autopsies at District Head Quarter Hospital Lakki Marwat

Abstract

Objective: To determine the modalities and manners of unnatural deaths among all cases brought to the district headquarter hospital Lakki Marwat for autopsy.

Study Design: Observational / descriptive study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the District Headquarter Hospital, Lakki Marwat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa from January 2013 to December 2014.

Materials and Methods: A total of 126 dead bodies received during two years for potmortem examination through autopsy  This study was a based on a data of unnatural deaths. The data were collected on structured checklist whereas, data analysis was done using SPSS version 20 and presented in terms of frequencies and percentages.

Results: Out of 126 dead bodies, 116 (92.1%) were males and 10(7.9%) females. Out of total, 3(2.4%) were also found decomposed. The dead bodies received for autopsy were in the age range from 3 to 72 years. Regarding manner of death 95(75.4%) were homicidal, 22(17.5%) accidental, 7(5.5%) suicidal and 2(1.6%) cases remained undetermined. Furthermore the types of modalities included; death due to fire arm injuries are 93(73.8%), road traffic accidents 19(15.1%), blunt weapon and hanging each 4(3.2%), bomb blast 3(2.4%) strangulation 1(0.8%) and the cause of death in 2 (1.6%) cases remained undetermined which were labeled as negative autopsy.

Conclusion: A high proportion male were referred for forensic examination as compare to female where, most of them were from young age. Homicide was noted as the major type of manner of death followed by accident. Fire arm injury was reported as the major modality of death followed by road traffic accident.