A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF SUDDEN NATURAL DEATH CASES BROUGHT FOR AUTOPSY AT JORHAT MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL, JORHAT, ASSAM

Abstract

Background- From the very ancient time, sudden death always amused as well as agonised the man. In the epic Mahabharata, sudden and unexpected death was mentioned in the demise of King Pandu as he forgot the curse from sage while captivated by the beauty of Madri. Very often, the person was apparently normal till he died suddenly and pre-existing disease conditions might not have been diagnosed earlier. Medico-legal autopsy should be done to determine the exact cause of death and to rule out any foul play. Relevant data about the incidence and causes of sudden natural death will aid in the planning of health programs at community level. Material and Methods: Retrospective analysis of sudden natural death cases which were brought for medico-legal autopsy at Jorhat Medical College & Hospital during the one year period from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021 was studied. The incidence of sudden natural death isResults: 15.95% with male to female ratio 10.2 : 1. Most common age group involved in the study was 51-60 years followed by 31-40 years. Cardiovascular system (CVS) is the most commonly affected system (43.56%) followed by gastro-intestinal system (31.68%). Coronary artery disease is the main cause of cardiovascular deaths and also tops among all causes of sudden natural deaths. The incidence of suddenConclusion: natural death is 16.01%. Males having age 51-60 years are most commonly affected. Cardiovascular diseases contribute to most of the sudden natural deaths of which Coronary artery disease is the leading cause. Increased awareness with regular health checkups is needed among the population at risk so as to improve quality of life.