Pattern of Sudden Natural Deaths in Adults: An Autopsy based Study

Abstract

Background- Very often in sudden natural death (SND), due to rapidity of onset of symptoms and suddenness
of death, the attending physician could not certify the death with confidence, even though he is familiar with
medical history of patient. Such deaths must undergo Medico-legal autopsy to determine the exact cause of
death and to rule out any foul play. The data regarding the incidence and cause of SND will be helpful for
planning health programs at community level. The objective of the present study is the same.
Material and Method- The medico-legal autopsy record, police inquest papers, other relevant laboratory
investigation of SNDs over the two year study period were verified and considered in the present study.
Observation-10.08 % deaths were due to sudden natural deaths (SND) with male to female ratio 4.1:1.
Most of the SNDs were in 4th (31.54%) and 5th(26.42%) decade of life. Cardiac causes (50.94%) were most
predominant followed by respiratory causes (26.15 %). Over all coronary artery disease (CAD) was the
commonest cause of SNDs.