FORENSIC EVALUATION OF DEATHS DUE TO ACUTE ALCOHOL POISONING IN HYDERABAD

Authors

  • Qamar Zaman Phull Department of Pharmacology Bilawal medical college LUMHS Jamshoro
  • Lubna Riaz DMC (DUHS)
  • Shahla Imran Department of Forensic medicine Bilawal medical college Lumhs jamshoro
  • Sadia Abdul Qayyum Department of Forensic Medicine Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College Karachi
  • Muzna Hameed Dar Department of Pharmacology, BMC, LUMHS, Jamshoro
  • Hanozia Shah Bilawal Medical College, LUMHS.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55519/JAMC-02-13166

Keywords:

Methanol poisoning, acute alcohol intoxication, forensic evaluation, Hyderabad, autopsy report, toxicological analysis.

Abstract

Background: Acute alcohol poisoning, particularly from methanol ingestion, remains a critical public health issue worldwide. In regions where illicit alcohol production thrives, methanol poisoning cases are prevalent, posing severe risks of mortality and long-term morbidity. Aim and objective was to analyze the forensic profiles of deaths due to acute methanol poisoning in Hyderabad, identifying the main causes and contributing factors to fatalities associated with methanol intoxication. Methods: This retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study reviewed 198 autopsy records from a hospital in Hyderabad, focusing on cases identified as methanol intoxication deaths. The study analyzed demographic data, autopsy findings, and toxicological reports. Results: A total of 198 fatalities were recorded, with a significant male predominance (91.9%). The age range of the deceased was 21 to 58 years, with a notable concentration in the 31-40 years age group. High blood methanol concentrations were observed with many cases exceeding the lethal threshold. Autopsy findings highlighted the severe impacts of methanol on the brain, heart, and lungs. Conclusion: The study underscores the grave impact of methanol poisoning in the Hyderabad region, with a high rate of fatalities, particularly among young to middle-aged men. It calls for stricter regulation of alcohol production, increased public awareness, and improved medical recognition and treatment of methanol poisoning.

Author Biography

Shahla Imran, Department of Forensic medicine Bilawal medical college Lumhs jamshoro

 

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Additional Files

Published

2024-06-30

Issue

Vol. 36 No. 2 (2024): JOURNAL OF AYUB MEDICAL COLLEGE ABBOTTABAD

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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Copyright (c) 2024 Qamar Zaman Phull , Shahla Imran, Muzna Hameed Dar , Sadia Abdul Qayyum, Lubna Riaz , Hanozia Shah

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