MEDICOLEGAL PATTERN OF TOXIC DEATHS IN CAIRO AND GIZA GOVERNORATES: RETROSPECTIVE STATISTICAL STUDY (2009-2013)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Forensic medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Acute poisoning is an important cause of unnatural death which may occur under a range of different epidemiological, social, cultural and religious implications. Aim: Study the medicolegal pattern of the reported cases of death due to poisoning in the region of Cairo and Giza governorates from 2009 to 2013. Method: Retrospective analysis of reports of all the cases of suspected fatal poisoning received by Zeinhom Morgue. Results: Toxic deaths represented 2.5% of all deaths registered in Zeinhom Morgue. Males, accidental manner, oral rout were predominant. The most common toxin was carbon monoxide. Conclusion and recommendation: The pattern of toxic deaths in Cairo and Giza governorates varies in both epidemiological and medicolegal aspects, the possibility of under-referral and reporting of these cases to Zeinhom Morgue must be taken into account. Competent system of referral of suspected toxic deaths for medicolegal investigation and autopsy must be established.

Keywords

The Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences and Applied Toxicology
Volume 16, Issue 2
Forensic Topics
December 2016
Pages 1-18

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