Death from Burns: A Twenty Years Autopsy Study in Faisalabad, Pakistan

Uzma Masud; Ahmad Saeed; Shirza Nadeem

doi:10.29054/apmc/2017.217

Uzma Masud Assistant Professor, Independent Medical College Faisalabad
Ahmad Saeed Head of Forensic Medicine Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad
Shirza Nadeem Assistant Professor Forensic Medicine University of Medical & Dental College, Faisalabad

DOI: https://doi.org/10.29054/apmc/2017.217

Keywords: Burns, Homicide, Deat

Abstract

Objective: To determine the epidemiology of deaths due to Burns in the city of Faisalabad, Pakistan for the last twenty years. Study Design: Observational, descriptive, retrospective analysis. Setting: Post-Mortem Unit, Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Period: 01^st January 1997 to 31^st December 2016. Methodology: 106 cases of deaths due to burns were labeled on the basis of police inquest, autopsy findings and interviews with relatives and friends of victim. The study is based on autopsy reports analysis in detail along with related data in the department. Cases were grouped on the basis of age, sex, manner of death, type of burns and seasonality. Findings were tabulated and analyzed. Results: The study revealed that prevalence of death due to fatal burn is only 1.8%, with female preponderance. The peak incidence was in 20-29 years in females and 30-39 years in males. Manner of death was homicide in majority of cases. Dry burns were most common. A seasonal surge in spring was noted. Conclusion: In Faisalabad, number of deaths due to burns is very low as compared to other cities of Pakistan. The outcomes of the current study give important knowledge to implement plans for health education involving prevention of burns in high risk groups.