Deaths In Vienna Research Articles

Mortality during Heatwaves and Tropical Nights in Vienna between 1998 and 2022

Rising summer temperatures lead to heat waves and tropical nights, which can result in health problems among the population. This work examined if mortality among Viennese people has increased under such weather conditions or whether the population was able to adapt to those periods of extreme heat. Therefore, the daily climatic data of the Austrian Weather Service and the number of daily deaths in Vienna from 1998 to 2022 have been put into relation. After calculating the mean values from those data sets, we analyzed the total number of daily deaths but also the death rate per 100,000 inhabitants for the total Viennese population, for men and women. The impact of age structure on possible trends was analyzed and ruled out. The analysis showed that the mortality on days with heat events was still higher, but the mean values of daily deaths decreased over time, despite a doubling of heatwaves and tropical nights, which speaks for an adaptation to heat events by the Viennese population.

Description of in-hospital deaths in Vienna during 1850-2000.

The aim of this study was to compare in-hospital deaths in different hospital settings between 1850 and 2000 in Vienna. We reviewed 120autopsy records for each of the selected years from the Clinical Institute of Pathology of the Medical University Vienna and two community hospitals. In 2000 the autopsy rate was 37.5 % at the community hospitals and 52.5 % at the university hospital. The mean age of those being dissected was significantly lower compared with those not being dissected in the community hospital. Infections were the leading cause of death during the nineteenth and early twentieth century, after 1950 the rate of cardiovascular diseases and cancer increased. In the year 2000 the majority of patients with an underlying malignant disease died because of cardiovascular disease. Causes of death vary between institutions. They should be reported as accurately as possible in order to create acogent basis for central mortality statistics.

Death in Vienna

“Death in Vienna” is intended as an introduction to this themed issue on The Dark Spectacle: Landscapes of Devastation in Film and Photography. Drawing on Susan Sontag’s Regarding the Pain of Others, the articles gathered here address the representation of unsettling subject matter (war, ecological catastrophe, destructive urbanization) in a variety of visual media. The collection’s specific focus is on the important role played by space in the depiction of disturbing events. Do images portraying death and destruction generate documents, or do they create works of art? Does their beauty drain “attention from the sobering subject?” “Death in Vienna” addresses these and other related questions with reference to Yevgeny Khaldei’s photography, specifically a shocking image he took in Vienna during the final days of the World War II. Together with Sontag, this article also questions our “right to look” at images of extreme suffering.

The Death of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: An Epidemiologic Perspective

The early death of the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart on 5 December 1791 has fascinated the world for more than 2 centuries. It has been suggested that his final illness was caused by poisoning, renal failure, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, trichinosis, and many other conditions. The official daily register of deaths in Mozart's Vienna was evaluated to provide an epidemiologic framework into which the observations of contemporary witnesses of his death can be integrated. All recorded deaths in Vienna during November and December 1791 and January 1792 were analyzed, together with the corresponding periods in 1790 to 1791 and 1792 to 1793. The deaths of 5011 adults (3442 men, 1569 women) were recorded over these periods. The mean ages of death were 45.5 years (SD, 18.5) for men and 54.5 years (SD, 19.9) for women. Tuberculosis and related conditions accounted for the highest number of deaths; cachexia and malnutrition ranked second, and edema was the third most common cause. According to eyewitness accounts, the hallmark of Mozart's final disease was severe edema. Deaths from edema were markedly increased among younger men in the weeks surrounding Mozart's death compared with the previous and following years. This minor epidemic may have originated in the military hospital. Our analysis is consistent with Mozart's last illness and death being due to a streptococcal infection leading to an acute nephritic syndrome caused by poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. Scarlet fever, which represents the same underlying disease from an etiologic perspective, is a less likely possibility.

Is There a Relationship Between Street Heroin Purity and Drug‐Related Emergencies and/or Drug‐Related Deaths? An Analysis from Vienna, Austria*

This study examines the quality of street heroin seized in Vienna in 1999 and whether there was a relationship between the purity of street heroin and the number of heroin-related emergencies as well as the number of heroin-related deaths. Street heroin confiscated by the Viennese police, run-sheets of drug-related emergencies, and postmortem reports of drug-related deaths in Vienna in 1999 were analyzed. A total of 415 retail samples with a total weight of 128.02 g contained a median percentage of 6.5% diacetylmorphine (range: 0.0-47.0%). All the samples contained a diluent, mainly lactose, as well as adulterants, such as caffeine and/or paracetamol. During the study period, 75 heroin-related deaths and 387 heroin-related emergencies were registered in Vienna. Time-series analysis revealed no statistically significant relationship between the rate of heroin-related incidents and the diacetylmorphine concentration of street heroin samples confiscated in Vienna in 1999. The widely held belief that the number of heroin-related deaths could be explained simply through fluctuations in the purity of street heroin could not be substantiated, even though the results of this study do not rule out an association between the purity of heroin and heroin-related deaths/emergencies.

Extended effects of air pollution on cardiopulmonary mortality in Vienna

Background Current standards for fine particulates and nitrogen dioxide are under revision. Patients with cardiovascular disease have been identified as the largest group which need to be protected from effects of urban air pollution. Methods We sought to estimate associations between indicators of urban air pollution and daily mortality using time series of daily TSP, PM 10, PM 2.5, NO 2, SO 2, O 3 and nontrauma deaths in Vienna (Austria) 2000–2004. We used polynomial distributed lag analysis adjusted for seasonality, daily temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure and incidence of influenza as registered by sentinels. Results All three particulate measures and NO 2 were associated with mortality from all causes and from ischemic heart disease and COPD at all ages and in the elderly. The magnitude of the effect was largest for PM 2.5 and NO 2. Best predictor of mortality increase lagged 0–7 days was PM 2.5 (for ischemic heart disease and COPD) and NO 2 (for other heart disease and all causes). Total mortality increase, lagged 0–14 days, per 10 μg m −3 was 2.6% for PM 2.5 and 2.9% for NO 2, mainly due to cardiopulmonary and cerebrovascular causes. Conclusion Acute and subacute lethal effects of urban air pollution are predicted by PM 2.5 and NO 2 increase even at relatively low levels of these pollutants. This is consistent with results on hospital admissions and the lack of a threshold. While harvesting (reduction of mortality after short increase due to premature deaths of most sensitive persons) seems to be of minor importance, deaths accumulate during 14 days after an increase of air pollutants. The limit values for PM 2.5 and NO 2 proposed for 2010 in the European Union are unable to prevent serious health effects.

Heatwaves in Vienna: effects on mortality

The hot summer of 2003 brought about increased mortality in southern and western Europe, highlighting the health impact of heatwaves. No Austrian mortality data have yet been reported for this summer period. Daily mortality data for Vienna between 1998 and 2004 were obtained from Statistics Austria and meteorological data from the Austrian Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics. Heatwaves were defined using the Kysely criterion. Daily mortality for May to September was predicted by a generalized additive model considering over-dispersion with Poisson deviates and a log link. Seasonal trend was accounted for by a natural spline, weekdays were modeled by dummy variables and heatwave days were included as dichotomous predictor. The average seasonal temperature for May to September in Vienna has increased by more than 1.7 degrees C during the last 35 years. In 2003 there was an excess of heatwave days, 44 overall, that resulted in an increased number of deaths, approximately 180, most of which were not due to 'harvesting'. Heatwave days between 1998 and 2004 were associated with a significantly increased relative mortality risk of 1.13 [95% confidence interval 1.09-1.17]. This increase was stronger in females than in males. Although excess mortality was seen in all age groups, it reached significance only in the elderly population over 65 years. An impact of heatwaves on mortality was apparent in Vienna, although not as pronounced as in France and south-western Europe. In 2003 at least 130 heatwave-related deaths in Vienna could have been avoided by prompt medical assistance and proper advice about how to cope with excessive thermal conditions. Preventive programs are warranted during heatwaves, especially to target elderly people, because the likelihood of heatwaves as a consequence of global warming is increasing.

Drug-related emergencies and drug-related deaths in Vienna, 1995–1997

The demographics of drug-related emergencies and drug-related deaths that occurred in Vienna between January 1st, 1995 and December 31st, 1997 were compared to investigate whether they represent two different subgroups of the drug-taking community. Analysis indicated that drug-related emergencies were significantly younger and that the proportion of females was higher than amongst the fatalities. In addition, emergencies were more likely than fatalities to occur in private residences than public places. No significant association between the number of contacts with the Vienna Ambulance Service and the fatal outcome of drug use could be substantiated. The results of this study indicate that drug-related emergencies and drug-related deaths represent two different subpopulations of the drug-taking community. Therefore, different strategies of prevention are considered.

Quality of heroin and heroin-related deaths from 1987 to 1995 in Vienna, Austria.

To investigate the quality of heroin seized in Vienna between 1987 and 1995 and to examine whether there was a relationship between the quality of heroin and the rate of drug-related deaths. Reports of heroin seizure analysis and post-mortem reports of heroin-related deaths in Vienna from 1987 to 1995 were analysed. There were 386 seizures of heroin comprising a total weight of 25 640.12 g heroin. All the seizures were in the base form. All seizures also contained a diluent, mainly lactose. Additionally, in 95 seizures caffeine, in four seizures paracetamol and in three seizures metaqualon were detected. Of a total of 764 drug-related deaths 506 cases were classified as heroin-related deaths. In 336 cases other central nervous system-depressant drugs and/or alcohol could be detected in the blood in addition to morphine (polydrug heroin-related deaths). There was evidence of a trend towards greater polydrug involvement during the study period. The age of victims of polydrug heroin-related deaths remained unchanged over time while the age of victims of pure heroin-related deaths decreased significantly. The morphine concentration in the medulla oblongata in heroin-related deaths decreased significantly. Finally, there was no statistically significant relationship between the rate of heroin-related deaths per year and the diacetylmorphine concentration of heroin seizures in that year. The results did not substantiate the widely held belief that increases in heroin-related deaths could be explained by an increase in the quality of heroin.

Forensic Autopsies from 1984 to 1993 in Vienna, Austria

In Austria every death is subject to an examination by a medical doctor authorized by the local health authority. If death is suspected to be natural and/or perpetrated by another person, this doctor has to report it to the police. Depending on the investigation results, the examining magistrate in charge demands a judicial autopsy at the Institute of Forensic Medicine. In 1989, 41 murders of old patients by nursing assistants in a Viennese public hospital were disclosed. The main aim of this retrospective study was to determine any change in the demand for forensic autopsies by the Viennese health authority, as well as by the criminal court, after 1989. Furthermore, it was of interest to analyze the reporting practices of medical doctors examining corpses, as well as thr reaction of the criminal court during the study period. After 1989, there was a significant increase of non-judicial and judicial autopsies, performed by Viennese forensic pathologists. In addition, there was a significant increase of reports to the police by coroners as well as by forensic pathologists, paralleled by a higher rate of forensic autopsies demanded by the examining magistrate. This increase of forensic autopsies took place even though the overall rate of deaths in Vienna significantly decreased during the 10-year study period. Thus, the disclosure of 41 murders in the Viennese hospital in 1989 can be assumed as a turning point in the reporting practices of Viennese coroners, as well as the autopsy rate handled by Viennese forensic pathologists.

Should Coroners Be Able to Recognize Unintentional Carbon Monoxide-Related Deaths Immediately at the Death Scene?

The aim of this retrospective survey of unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths in Vienna was to determine whether the cherry-pink coloring of livor mortis is a reliable finding for the coroner to suspect a carbon monoxide-related death immediately at the death scene. In addition, we investigated the recognition pattern of unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths by Viennese coroners between 1984 and 1993. Therefore, we analyzed autopsy reports of postmortems performed at the Viennese Institute of Forensic Medicine between 1984 and 1993. The study involved 182 unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths: 92 females and 90 males. We found a strong association between the carboxyhemoglobin level and the cherry-pink coloring of livor mortis. In 98.4% of unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths livor mortis were clearly cherry-pink. During the 10-year study period Viennese coroners recognized only 61% of unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths immediately at the death scene. The percentage of unrecognized carbon monoxide fatalities with a clear cherry-pink coloring of livor mortis almost doubled from 1984 to 1993. The older the victim, the worse the coroners recognition. In summary, we have shown that coroners should be able to recognize unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths immediately at the death-scene, because fresh corpses with carboxyhemoglobin levels greater than 31% show a clear cherry-pink coloring of livor mortis. Therefore, coroners should be encouraged to examine naked corpses thoroughly, especially regarding the color of livor mortis. Thus, a carbon monoxide-related death can be recognized immediately and the source of gas release identified as soon as possible protecting people who otherwise would also be at risk of poisoning.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Carbon Monoxide-Related Deaths from 1984 to 1993 in Vienna, Austria

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs frequently in industrialized countries. Between 1970 and 1978 in Vienna, the capital of Austria, carbon-monoxide-rich coal gas was replaced with natural gas. Despite this fact, people still die of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning. The main purpose of this study was to determine the reasons for unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths, and further to describe the epidemiology of these fetal poisonings in Vienna between 1984 and 1993. A secondary purpose was to investigate whether intentional carbon monoxide poisoning still plays a role among suicides as was the case up to the 1970s. For this purpose we analyzed carbon monoxide-related deaths in Vienna from 1984 to 1993, based on actual autopsy reports of postmortems performed at the Viennese Institute of Forensic Medicine. Deaths due to fire were excluded. The main reason for unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths in Vienna between 1984 and 1993 was flueless gas-fueled water heating appliances, overused especially by old people during the cold period of the year. The frequency of unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths in 1993 was almost as high as in 1984. A total of 53% of deceased persons were over age 60. Most fatal carbon monoxide poisoning occurred during the cold period of the year. Suicides decreased significantly during the investigation period. In 76% of these deaths car exhaust fumes were inhaled, especially by men. In conclusion, we recommend programs to prevent unintentional carbon monoxide-related deaths. These programs should especially target the elderly. Flueless gas boilers should not be overused. Furthermore, apartments should be aired sufficiently, even during the cold period of the year.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The most severe chronic organ findings in official public health autopsies--a medico-sociologic contribution

At the Vienna Institute, in the year 1986, 79 carcinoma findings were recorded in 1736 cases of natural death. The most common were carcinomas of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. Seventeen unidentified tumors were found to have been the cause of death. Public health autopsies, therefore, contribute to the clarification of tumor disease and thus to cancer statistics. Although diagnosed fatal cancer cases correspond to only 0.33% of all cancer deaths in Vienna, the question arises why a patient with very advanced cancer is not under medical care and why the affliction is revealed only in autopsy, the purpose of which is to elucidate sudden, unexpected deaths. The comparatively few individual cases should nevertheless give cause for reflection and are discussed from a medicosociological view, taking into consideration the statistical and epidemiological data relating to cancer diseases.

Johann Christian Doppler and his effect--a brief history.

Johann Christian Doppler whose name is so frequently honoured in modern-day technology was so little regarded by his colleagues that we know relatively little about his personality. One of his biographers describes him as humble and hard-working but he responded to the criticisms of Buys Ballot in a rather stubborn fashion and apparently his mathematic was not faultless. The only likeness we have of him (Fig. 1) is a bust set up by the University of Vienna in 1901 but it is not known how true it is to life. His career, like the early history of the effect he described and which is named after him, was checkered. He was born in Salzburg in 1805 (Fig. 2) and was the son of a master stone mason. Apparently he had some talent as a carver but did not have the physique to follow this craft. As a result of the interest of the mathematician Stampfer he was sent to the Polytechnic Institute of Vienna but after graduation he was unable to obtain a good position. He got as far as Munich on his way to emigrate to America when he was appointed Professor of Mathematics and Accounting at the State Secondary School in Prague in 1835. In 1841 he became Professor of Elementary Mathematics and Practical Geometry at the State Technical Academy in Prague and it was in this position that he wrote his famous paper entitled “On the Coloured Light of Double Stars and Some other Heavenly Bodies” (Fig. 3). The paper was given before the Royal Bohemian Society of Learning in 1842 and published in 1843. In 1847 he became Professor of Mathematics, Physics and Mechanics at the Mining Academy at Schemnitz at which time he was given an honorary doctorate by Charles University in Prague. However, he had to return to Vienna because of the industrial troubles and in 1850 he received his only prestigious appointment as Director of the new Physical Institute which had been founded for the training of teachers and became a full Professor of Experimental Physics at the Royal Imperial University of Vienna which was the first such appointment to be made in Austria. Unfortunately he had developed pulmonary troubles while in Prague which resulted in his death in Vienna shortly afterwards in 1853 at the early age of 49. It should be noted that many of the difficulties encountered in the early acceptance of the Doppler effect resulted from the fact that he worked under rather isolated circumstances since no other important physicists were working in Bohemia or Austria in the early part of the 19th century. Doppler’s famous paper begins by recapitulating the wave theory of light and explaining that the colour perceived by the eye varies with the frequency. He went on to postulate that this frequency will increase if the observer is moving towards the source and decrease if he is moving away from the source and drew an analogy of a ship moving to meet or retreat from a train of ocean waves. He went on to deduce in rather clumsy mathematical fashion the relationship:

Robert A. Kann—A Memoir from Austria

From 1950—when Robert Kann first revisited Vienna twelve years after having been driven away from Austria—to the time of his death in Vienna on August 30, 1981, Kann was a man of two countries. For three decades his work spanned America and Austria; he taught, lectured and published on two continents. Kann's influence on historical scholarship both in America and Austria (and beyond) is evidenced by the fact that more of Kann's books were publised both in English and in German translations than those of any other scholar in the field. Let us recall these titles: The Multinational Empire (1950), The Habsburg Empire (1957), A Study in Austrian Intellectual History (1960), The Problem of Restoration (1968), and A History of the Habsburg Empire, 1526–1918 (1974). All of them subsequently appeared in German translation in Austria; thus their impact was doubled.

ANDREAS VON ETTINGSHAUSEN

WE regret to record the death in Vienna, on May 25, of Baron von Ettingshausen, one of the oldest of European physicists. He was born in Heidelberg, November 25, 1796. After the completion of his academic studies, he entered the philosophical faculty of the Vienna University as privat-docent for physics and mathematics in 1817. Two years later he accepted the professorship of physics in Innsbruck, but was called back in 1821 to Vienna, to the chair of mathematics, which position he exchanged in 1834 for the professorship of physics. In 1852 he accepted the direction of the newly-grounded Physical Institute, completed its organisation, and raised it to its prominent position as a centre of physical investigation. Some years since he was compelled by increasing age to retire from the duties of his professorship, after a half-century of unwearied activity.