Pattern of deaths in paediatric population- An autopsy based study done at a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi

The study was done retrospectively at Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi to assess the pattern of Paediatric deaths among total paediatric autopsies conducted from year 2019-2021. All Deaths among the individuals less than 18 years of age were studied and statistical analysis was done. During the three-year study period from year 2019-2021, 41.2% were females and 58.8% were males in total 17 paediatric autopsies conducted in the year 2019. 60% female, 40% male among total 15 cases in the year 2020 and 58.3% female, 41.7% male among total 12 cases of paediatric autopsies conducted in the year 2021. On distribution of number of cases in a particular year of study as per the manners of paediatric autopsy cases conducted from year 2019-2021, 40% accidental deaths were recorded in 2019 and 2020 each. The accidental deaths were recorded in 20% cases in the year 2021 among total cases of paediatric autopsy done. Total number of homicidal deaths recorded was 50%, 12.5% and 37.5% in 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. The natural cause of death was in 38.5% cases in the year 2019; 46.2% and 15.4% were died of natural cause in the 2020 and 2021, respectively. Total number of suicidal deaths recorded was 25% in 2019 and 2020 each year and 50% in 2021. Out of total number of cases 23% and 21% were having history of hospital deaths and fall from height, respectively. Out of the total cases of paediatric autopsy done 16% cases each were died due to asphyxia deaths and septic shock. The cerebral damage was cause of death in 14% cases and 11% cases each were died of craniocerebral damage and haemorrhagic shock. The bilateral pneumonitis was cause of death in 7% cases and 5% cases each were died of strangulation, aspiration pneumonia, poisoning.