Medico-legal Study of the Delayed Causes of Death in Burns

Abstract

Abstract:Background: Despite society’s ability to prevent most of accidental fires, burn injuries and deaths continue to afflict victims of all age groups and pose significance among public health problems; Death may delay three days or more after burn’s injury.Objective: To determine the most important causes lead to delayed death after different types of burns, in hope to prevent these causes of death in future. Methods: This prospective study was performed in medico-legal institute in Baghdad for (8) month duration from (1-2-2011) to (1-10-2011). The data were obtained from all burn cases referred to that institute. Proper autopsy examination was done including external and internal examination. Results: The study included (48) cases (21) men and (27) women whom ages ranged between (From birth-70) years. The most affected age group was (21-30) most of them were burned by flame, and the most common delayed cause of death in burns was septic shock in (15) cases most of them were died in the ninth day. Conclusion: The epidemiology of burns varies from one part of the world to another and even in the same culture over time. It is a function of civilization, industrialization, culture, and societal stability. A significant association was found between the day of death and delayed cause of death. Key words: Medico-legal, Delayed causes, Burns.