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Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology 17(1):p 57-61, January-March 2024. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijfmp.0974.3383.17124.9
Case Report
An Approach to Obscure Death: A Case Series
Rahul M. Band, Nilesh V. Vaidya, Sadhana V. Lakhute, Ajay L. Ghangale, Sanjay D. Gaiwale, Anshuman D. Dhumal
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Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology 17(1):p 57-61, January-March 2024. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijfmp.0974.3383.17124.9
How Cite This Article:
Band RM, Vaidya NV, Lakhute SV, et al. An Approach to Obscure Death: A Case Series. Indian J Forensic Med Pathol. 2024;17(1):57-61.Timeline
Received : August 19, 2023
Accepted : February 24, 2024
Published : March 29, 2024
Abstract
Introduction: An Autopsy doesn’t always yield cause of death easily. In 20-25% cases detailed history, visit to scene of incident, histological, toxicological& microbiological investigations might be required. Even then circumstantial evidence plays important role. Case Reports: Article presents and discusses four cases, two of electrocution, one natural neonatal death and one accidental phosphorous poisoning. How challenging it can be to ascertain cause of death at rural hospital set up. Discussion: Various natural and unnatural causes can lead to death without any evident pathology or signs such as sudden infant deaths, biochemical disturbances, functional disorders like epilepsy, electrocution, concealed trauma, certain poisonings, vagal and anaphylactic shocks. Conclusion & Recommendations: All necessary and possible investigations should be done in obscure deaths to exclude such causes and to prevent allegations that the death was not investigated as fully as it should have been. Special efforts are needed to raise awareness regarding use and storage of hazardous materials to prevent accidental deaths.
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Funding
This research received no funding.
Author Contributions
All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication."
Ethics Declaration
This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.
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Cite this article
Band RM, Vaidya NV, Lakhute SV, et al. An Approach to Obscure Death: A Case Series. Indian J Forensic Med Pathol. 2024;17(1):57-61.
Licence:
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
| Received | Accepted | Published |
|---|---|---|
| August 19, 2023 | February 24, 2024 | March 29, 2024 |
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/ijfmp.0974.3383.17124.9
Keywords
Obscure autopsyElectrocutionPoisoningInfant DeathsSearch for Similar Articles
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Timeline
| Received | August 19, 2023 |
| Accepted | February 24, 2024 |
| Published | March 29, 2024 |
licence
Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)
This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.
