CONTACT US: Contact info
|
Citation |
Darke S, Duflou J. J. Forensic Leg. Med. 2016; 45: 36-40. |
|
Affiliation |
National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia. |
|
Copyright |
(Copyright © 2016, Elsevier Publishing) |
|
DOI |
|
PMID |
27987415 |
|
Abstract |
The study aimed to determine the characteristics and circumstances of cases sudden or unnatural death (n = 61) with evidence of pathological hoarding, their major organ pathology and toxicology. The mean age was 65·8 yrs (a mean of 16.1 years of potential life lost), 62·3% were male, and 28·2% were obese. 95·1% lived alone, and 96·7% died in their residence, with no medical intervention. In all cases severe squalor and extensive hoarding were noted. The direct cause of death was attributed to disease in 75·4%, heart disease being a significant factor in 52·5%. Accidents causing death directly related to hoarding occurred in two cases. Autopsy revealed extensive pathology: severe coronary artery narrowing (42·4%), myocardial replacement fibrosis (44·1%), emphysema (39·0%), nephrosclerosis (46·6%). Signs of hypothermia were present in 14·8%, and diabetes was diagnosed in 21·3%. The most commonly detected substance was alcohol (32·1%). Medications for heart disease (5·4%) or diabetes (7·1%) were rare. The overall clinical picture was of an isolated group, with a heavy burden of physical disease and, in all probability, a high level of psychiatric disorders, who died alone in their homes. Language: en |