Recent Trends in Asphyxial Deaths in Central Maharashtra: A Four Year Retrospective Study

Asphyxia is best described as an interference with respiration due to any cause-Mechanical, Environmental, or Toxic. Violent deaths resulting chiefly from asphyxia includes death due to hanging, strangulation, suffocation and drowning. The purpose of this study was to analyze recent trends related to asphyxial deaths in the Aurangabad region of central Maharashtra and to compare them with other studies. In the present study, 9910 medicolegal autopsies conducted at Government Medical College and Hospital, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India were analysed retrospectively from October 2016 to October 2012; in that in total 802 (8.10%) were asphyxial deaths with males (76.30%) were more commonly affected than females. Highest number of deceased belonged to age group of 21 to 30 years. Hanging was most common type of asphyxial death with 69.5% of cases, followed by Drowning with 24.2% of cases. This analysis will provide a better understanding of epidemiology and burden of violent asphyxial deaths in society and will help to formulate comprehensive programmes and strategies to prevent same.