The Evaluation of the Deaths Related to Hypothermy in Eskisehir between 1997 and 2016

Abstract

Introduction: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the frequency of autopsy findings and the frequency of cases decided to die due to hypothermia in Eskişehir. Materials and Method:This study is a descriptive study conducted in the 20-year period between 1997 and 2016 in Eskişehir province by retrospective examination of case files belonging to judicial qualifications. These deaths were included in the study because of the decision to die due to hypothermia. The cases were evaluated in terms of age, gender, location of the body, month in which the body was found, autopsy findings, psychiatric disease history, toxicological examination and death investigation information. Findings:It has been determined that in 20 year period, there were 16 deaths due to hypothermia in Eskişehir, Turkey. All cases were male and mean age (SD) was 62.4 ± 7.2 years. Wischnewsky ulcers occurred in 11 cases (68.8%) due to hypothermia. 9 cases (56.3%) had a history of psychiatric and neurological disease. Conclusion:Hypothermic deaths are preventable deaths and precautions should be taken to protect against hypothermia in elderly people, homeless people and those with mental illness that will affect the state of consciousness.