Sociodemographic Profile and Causes of Death in brought Dead Cases- An Autopsy Based Study.

Background: Brought dead (BD) cases, where individuals are declared dead upon arrival at a healthcare facility, pose significant forensic and medico-legal challenges. Determining the exact cause of death is crucial for legal, medical, and public health perspectives. This study aims to analyze the sociodemographic profile and causes of death among brought dead cases, with a focus on forensic autopsy findings at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala. Objectives: The primary objective of this study is to determine the causes of death in brought dead cases of individuals aged above 18 years. The secondary objective is to describe the sociodemographic characteristics of these cases. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted over 18 months (June 2023 – December 2024). The study population included all brought dead cases reported for medico-legal autopsy at Government Medical College, Kottayam, meeting the inclusion criteria. Data were collected using police inquest reports (KPF 102), medical records, and interviews with relatives. A comprehensive medico-legal autopsy was performed, including external and internal examinations, histopathological analysis, and toxicology testing when necessary. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests used to assess associations. Results: A total of 121 brought dead cases were analyzed. The majority (59.5%) of cases were in the 36–60-year age group, with males constituting 80% of the study population. Most individuals (86%) were married, and 57% resided in rural areas. A significant proportion (40.5%) belonged to lower socioeconomic backgrounds, as indicated by the ration card status. The leading causes of death was occlusive coronary artery disease (38.8%), followed by hanging (22.3%) and road traffic accidents (5.8%). A small fraction of cases remained undetermined despite thorough forensic examination. Conclusion: The study highlights the predominance of occlusive coronary artery disease as the major cause of death in brought dead cases. The findings underscore the need for enhanced preventive healthcare strategies, improved emergency medical response, and public health interventions targeting high-risk populations. Strengthening forensic investigative methodologies can further aid in identifying undiagnosed medical conditions and ensuring justice in medico-legal cases.