BLOOD GAS AND TOXICOLOGICAL ANALYSIS IN ASPHYXIAL DEATHS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Asphyxial deaths, carbon monoxide, toxicology, medico-legal autopsy, organophosphates, methanol poisoning, cyanide
Abstract
Background: Asphyxial deaths remain a significant concern in forensic medicine due to their sudden, often preventable nature and complex medico-legal implications. Understanding the demographic profile, causes, and toxicological aspects of such deaths is crucial for effective prevention, investigation, and policy-making.
Objective: To determine the frequency and types of poisons contributing to asphyxial deaths and analyze their demographic, clinical, and postmortem patterns in medico-legal autopsies conducted in the Rawalpindi and Islamabad region.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, HBS Medical & Dental College, Islamabad, over a period of one year. A total of 52 cases of asphyxial deaths confirmed via autopsy and toxicological analysis were included using non-probability consecutive sampling. Detailed examination of demographics, manner of death, autopsy findings, and toxicology reports was carried out. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25.
Results: Males constituted 73.1% of cases, with the highest frequency in the 31–45-years age group (36.5%). Urban residents accounted for 59.6% of deaths. The majority (48.1%) were accidental, followed by suicidal (32.7%) and homicidal (19.2%) deaths. External findings included cyanosis (80.8%) and petechial hemorrhages (75%). Toxicological analysis revealed carbon monoxide (32.7%) as the most common toxin, followed by organophosphates (15.4%), methanol (11.5%), and cyanide (9.6%).
Conclusion: Carbon monoxide, organophosphates, and methanol are major toxic agents in asphyxial deaths, particularly among adult urban males. Strengthening occupational safety regulations and public awareness can significantly reduce such preventable fatalities.
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Dr Muhammad Shafay
Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, HBS Medical and Dental College, Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr Roman Ashraf
Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Lahore Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Dr Rabail Altaf
Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Gambat Medical College @ PAQSJIMS, Gambat, Sindh, Pakistan
Dr Ishrat Bibi
Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan
Dr Farooq Ahmed Abro
Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Chandka Medical College, Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan
Dr Nazia Yasmin
Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, HBS Medical and Dental College, Islamabad, Pakistan