ASPHYXIAL DEATHS: A FOUR YEAR RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN PESHAWAR
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Abstract
Objective: The study provides epidemiological analysis of autopsy record onasphyxial deaths and different methods used to carry it out.
Methodology: It was a retrospective (descriptive) study done at the Department ofForensic Medicine and Toxicology, Khyber Medical College Peshawar. Analysisof autopsy record was done and cases of asphyxial deaths and the cause ofasphyxia was noted. The data covers a period from January 2009 to June 2012.
Results: A total of 3,265 (males n=2839, Females n= 426) cases were presentedfor autopsy to Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department of Khybermedical college Peshawar and 130 deaths were due to asphyxia comparedwith 2370 deaths due to firearm. Homicide was the most common mannerof death. 89 cases were males and 41 were females. Approximate ages of theautopsies conducted were 0-19 years n= (18.2%), 20-40 years n= (64.5%), 41-60 years n= (13%) and 61 or above n=4 (3.0%). Strangulation was found to bethe most common method used.
Conclusion: Asphyxial deaths are not as common as firearm deaths in Peshawar.Homicide is the most common method of death. The findings may behelpful for the security agencies in investigation of asphyxial deaths.
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