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Medicolegal pattern of Toxic Deaths in Cairo and Giza Governorates: Retrospective statistical study (2009-2013)

Egypt J. Forensic Sci. Appli. Toxicol • 2016
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Publication Information
Authors Marcelle R. Harouna MD, Mohamed K. Ahmeda MD, Ahmed H. Rezka MD, Eslam S. Metwallya MD, Eman S. Ez Elregalb M.B.B.CH
Keywords Toxic deaths, Cairo & Giza governorates, Medicolegal pattern.
Journal Egypt J. Forensic Sci. Appli. Toxicol
Publisher Not Available
Volume 16
Issue 2
Pages 1-18
publication.type Local
Paper Link Not Available
Supplementary Materials Not Available
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 Zenhom Morgue. Results: Toxic deaths represented 2.5% of all deaths registered in Zenhom 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 Zenhom Morgue must be taken into account. Competent system of referral of suspected toxic deaths for medicolegal investigation and autopsy must be established.