Evaluation of natural caused deaths in autopsies performed in Aydin province

This study examines the distribution of causes of natural death by: Age group, gender, cause of death, age and sex and compares that data with other studies, both domestic and foreign. Post-mortem examination and autopsy cases studied were performed by Adnan Menderes University Department of Forensic Medicine between 01.01.2006 - 31.12.2016. Out of 2195 cases with post-mortem examination and autopsy, 397 (18%) cases were found to be related to natural causes, of those, 349 where cause of death was determined by autopsy. It was found that 278 (79,7%) of the cases were male and 71 (20,3%) were female. The mean age was 48.4, the most frequent age range was 50-59 years with 65 cases (18.6%). Deaths predominantly occurred during the winter season, with 101 cases (%28,9) of which, 37 cases (10.6% 9) were in January. The most prevalent place of death was found to be in the home, with 113 cases (32.4%). Causes of death were systematically analysed; deaths related to cardiovascular system diseases were most common, with 214 cases (61,3%). Respiratory system diseases ranked second with 55 cases (15,8%) and central nervous system diseases third with 51 cases (14,6%). Among the cardiovascular system diseases, coronary artery disease was detected most frequently with 160 cases (74.8%). Most of the deaths due to natural causes in the forensic autopsies are attributable to cardiovascular system diseases, the majority of those are due to coronary artery disease. It is thought that the number of sudden and unexpected deaths can be reduced by detection of cause of sudden or unexpected deaths and identifying any associated risk factors. Screening tests can be performed on those people in at-risk groups and awareness can be raised through public health information and guidance.