A study of sudden natural deaths in Imphal from 2010–2014

Abstract

Sudden death is defined as death occurring within 24 hours of the onset of terminal symptoms. It is frequently associated with allegations of foul play. A retrospective study of sudden deaths in Imphal from 2010–2014 was conducted from the post mortem cases done at Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal. Out of a total of 1559 post mortem cases, 105 cases were of sudden deaths. Males constituted 91% and females only 9% of the cases. Maximum incidence was seen in the 30–40 year age group followed by 40–50 years. 30% were found dead, 25% had preceding illness, 30% were of collapse/unconsciousness, 15% died during sleep, 25% had preceding illness and 30% suddenly collapsed and died. Regarding the causes, maximum were related to the cardiovascular system (49.5%) followed by alimentary (25.7%), respiratory (14.3%), genitor-urinary (3.8%) & central nervous systems (1%) whereas the rest were miscellaneous causes(5.7%). Statistics on sudden deaths are useful to inform policy makers and scientists about its global burden and the need for prevention efforts, including screening protocols, identification of risk-stratification tools and availability of public-access first-aid measures and implementation of primary prevention strategies. Spreading awareness is important to clear the mystery surrounding a sudden death.