Journal of Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 45
  • Issue: 4

A comprehensive retrospective analysis in understanding covid-19: Forensic perspective from a single institute

1Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, AIIMS, Bibinagar

2Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad

3Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Osmania Medical college, Hyderabad

*Corresponding Author, Dr. Mary Sowjanya Gaddala, Email: sowjanya.gaddala@gmail.com, Mobile No.: +91 8374909757

Online Published on 2 January, 2024.

Abstract

SARS-CoV-2 has spread swiftly and disseminated as a pandemic globally. As there was limited research on non-autopsy findings, a detailed analysis of facts gathered from the deceased can aid in a better understanding of the covid disease. The current retrospective crosssectional study was conducted on the 388 probable COVID-19 fatalities, in the department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, between August 1st 2020 to August 1st, 2021. Deaths were more common in the age group of 41-60 years with male predominance with greater number being in the Prevaccination period. 74% reported cough, 85% shortness of breath, 88% had fever and anosmia in very few cases. Co-morbidities observed were 18% of hypertension, 16% diabetes and 8% chronic renal disease. Common reasons being respiratory failure due to bilateral pneumonia followed by multi-organ failure and cardiac arrest. Comorbidities added to severity and vaccination has shielding effect in the prevention of deaths.

Keywords

Covid-19, Clinical features, Comorbidities, Vaccination