A Comprehensive Autopsy-Based Study of Profile of Poisoning Cases Brought for Postmortem at Tertiary Hospital
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/2pe37j34Keywords:
Autopsy, Dead Bodies, Forensic, Postmortem, UnknownAbstract
Introduction: Poisoning is a leading cause of preventable mortality worldwide, with trends shaped by changing
societal, environmental, and toxicological factors. This study examines poisoning-related fatalities in Patiala,
Punjab, using autopsy data to identify patterns, demographic correlations, and toxicological profiles, aiming to
inform preventive and intervention strategies.
Aims and Hypothesis: The study hypothesizes that poisoning trends are shifting due to the increased availability
of hazardous substances and changing socio-economic pressures. It aims to analyze these trends and explore
innovative approaches to mitigate poisoning-related mortality.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive prospective study was conducted over 1.5 years on 360 autopsy cases with
alleged poisoning. Data was analyzed on parameters including demographic profiles, type of poison, route and
timing of exposure, and the socio-environmental context of incidents. Statistical analysis, including Fisher’s Exact
Test, identified significant associations, with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant.
Results: Among 360 cases, 301 (83.6%) were males, and 59 (16.4%) were females, with the highest incidence in
the 21–30 years age group (30.56%). Aluminum phosphide was the most commonly detected poison (21.39%),
followed by alcohol (11.11%). Suicide was the predominant manner of death (37.22%), strongly associated with
aluminum phosphide, while alcohol was a key factor in accidental and overdose cases.
Innovative findings revealed that 29.44% of cases had pending toxicology reports, underscoring systemic delays
that hinder timely legal and preventive interventions. Furthermore, most incidents (77.78%) involved oral
ingestion, with 59.17% occurring in domestic settings, highlighting the need for stricter regulation and storage
of household toxins. Seasonal analysis identified a significant spike in poisoning cases during the rainy season
(43.61%), suggesting the role of agricultural practices and pesticide use during this period.
Conclusion: This study emphasizes the critical need for gender- and age-specific interventions, enhanced mental
health services, and stricter regulations on toxic substances, particularly aluminum phosphide. Innovative
measures, such as real-time toxicological diagnostics, community-based poison control programs, and educational
campaigns targeting rural and urban populations, are essential to reduce the burden of poisoning-related mortality
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