A Statistical Obsevation on Medicolegal Autopsy in 1997.

Korean J Leg Med. 1998 Oct;22(2):48-51. Korean.

National Institute of Scientific Investigation, Korea.

This is a statistical analysis based on the data of medicolegal autopsies so called unusual death, brought to this institute by all of law enforcement agencies in Korea during the year of 1997. This report aims to reveal the facts on various causes of unusual death in Korea.Followings are the summary of results,1. The total numbers of autopsy made for the unusual deaths were 2,128 cases, among them 1,497 cases were males and 631 cases were females.2. Violent deaths were 1,321 cases (62.1%), natural deaths were 705 cases (33.1%), and unknown cases were 102(4.85).3. For deaths due to injuries, blunt object Injuries were the leading ahead, 472 cases(22.2%) and sharp object injuries were 198 cases(9.3%).4. Asphyxial deaths were 287 cases(13.5%), and drowning were 108 cases(5.1%) showing the biggest number among the asphyxial deaths.5. Deaths by fire or burning were 114 cases(5.4%), and deaths by scalding were 8 cases. Deaths due to hypothermia were 24 cases(1.1%).6. Deaths due to electrocution were 19 cases and 18 cases were male.7. There were 3 cases for death due to starvation.8. Infanticide were 17 cases, 0.8 percent of the total number.9. The natural deaths were 705 cases(33.1%) and the death due to the disease of the cardiovascular system was taking the most of the total number with 374 cases.10. For the death due to intoxication, 132 cases (6.2%) were recorded and the biggest number among these was CO intoxication.11. Cause of death unknown due to negative autopsy and to the severe decomposition of the body were 102 cases, 4.8 percents of the total number.