Current Trends in Sudden Natural Deaths in South-Western Maharashtra: A Six Year Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Sudden and unexpected nature of death is intriguing to the medical practitioner until a definite
cause is found. Often a conclusive evidence of a natural cause is missing even after a thorough and elaborate
autopsy. Material and methods: A six-year retrospective study of post mortem examinations conducted at
a tertiary health care center to analyze the current trends in sudden deaths of natural cause. Results: Out of
1465 autopsies conducted ,40.60% cases were of sudden natural deaths with a male predominance (75.45%).
Maximum number of natural deaths were found in the age group of 51 – 60 (19.28%) and least between
21 – 30 Years (1.98%). The most common system involved in these cases was Cardiovascular followed by
Respiratory system. Conclusion: Analysis of causes of sudden natural deaths in various age groups garners
epidemiological data and helps in prevention of hereditary, infective and metabolic disorders which form a
majority of these deaths.