Characterization of Mortalities requiring Autopsy by a Medical Board

Abstract

Background

In general, a single autopsy surgeon undertakes medico-legal autopsies; nonetheless, in particular scenarios, a collaboration of medical experts may occur. This involvement is frequently a consequence of administrative mandates rather than established protocols, highlighting the necessity for unequivocal guidelines.

Methods

A cumulative total of 262 records pertaining to post-mortem examinations performed by Medical Boards from April 2015 to March 2020 were acquired subsequent to the fulfilment of our established criteria through the method of consecutive sampling in this retro-prospective observational study, which was executed within the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi. The data were systematically documented in a case report form, a template was subsequently developed, and later subjected to analysis utilizing appropriate statistical methodologies.

Results

In 17 cases (6.5%), the identification of the deceased individual could not be ascertained. A total of 5.3% (14) of the cases exhibited a considerable degree of decomposition. The majority of the autopsies [19.5% (51)] were conducted on individuals within the 21 to 30 years age demographic, comprising 212 males and 47 females. Nearly half, specifically 46.6% (122), of the autopsies were carried out on individuals identified as adherents of Hinduism, whilst 34.0% (89) were performed on adherents of the Sarna faith. Out of all autopsies, over half, accounting for 55.3% (145), were done on non-tribal people, contrasting with 38.2% (100) that were on tribal people. A significant majority, amounting to 74.0% (194), of the autopsies were conducted on individuals who were married.

Conclusion

The majority of the autopsies were conducted within the younger demographic strata, exhibiting a significant predominance of male subjects, alongside a remarkable scarcity of unidentified and decomposed remains.