PATTERN OF INJURY TO INTERNAL ORGANS IN FIREARM HOMICIDAL CASES — ON AUTOPSY
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Abstract
Objective: To analyse the pattern of injury to internal organs in victims of fatal firearm injuries inflicted with homicidal intent.
Material and Methods: This descriptive study was performed from January 2013 to December 2013. Record of autopsies performed on homicide victims in rural Peshawar was obtained and analyzed. The variables included in results were age, gender, manner of death, cause of death, internal organs involved in firearm injuries, and correlation of various internal organs involved.
Results: Reports of 1092 autopsies in the rural areas of Peshawar were analyzed. Out of these 998 (91.4%) were alleged homicidal cases. Among these homicidal cases, 832 (83.5%) were homicides caused by firearms. Among the firearm homicides male to female ratio was found to be 9:1. Most affected age groups were 20-29 years, 36.1%, 30-39 years, 22.4%, and 40-49 years, 14.1%. The most frequently involved organs were Lungs 46.4%, Brain 40.9%, and Heart 28.8% followed by intestines 15% and liver 12.3%. The involvement of heart in lung-damaged victims was 52.1%, while that of lung in heart damaged victims was 83.8% suggesting a strong mortality oriented relationship.
Conclusion: It is a need for up gradation of firearm management facilities in the regional hospitals and tightening of legislation regarding small arms control.
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