An autopsy based cross sectional study of corrosive acid poisoning cases brought to Victoria Hospital, Bengaluru

Abstract

The study was conducted for a period of 1 year, from January 2017 to December 2017 to analyse the deaths due to corrosive acid.  During this period of study, a total of 3173 autopsies were conducted among which 266 (8.38%) cases of deaths due to poisoning were  studied in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Victoria Hospital, Bangalore Medical College and Research institute, Bangalore.  Among 266 cases of poisoning death, 12 (4.6%) deaths were due to corrosive acid consumption. Majority of the victim of the study  group were male 8 (66.7%). Most of the victim was in the age group of 30-40 years 8 (66.7%). Among the deceased 9 (75%) were  married. Forensic Laboratory findings showed the most common substance of corrosive acid being hydrochloric acid 6(50%)  followed by sulphuric acid 3(25%). During the autopsy of these cases, stomach perforation was found in 5(41.7%) cases. Most of the  victims were brought dead to hospital 9(75%) and the common cause of death being shock 10 (83.3%) followed by peritonitis in  treated patients. The most common manner of death was suicidal in 10 (83.3%) cases.