A Descriptive Medico-legal Study of Suspicious Elderly Population Deaths in Cairo, Egypt

Abstract Background: The increasing proportion of the aged population and their fragility are reflected in an increase in geriatric deaths from various causes and modes of death. This study sought to examine several factors related to suspicious deaths in the geriatric age group at Zeinhom Morgue in Egypt. Subjects and Methods: Ninety-four elderly individuals aged older than 65 years who were referred to the Zeinhom Morgue in 2018 were enrolled. The demographic data, circumstances of death, cause of death, autopsy findings, and chemical, and toxicological analyses were analyzed. Results: Deaths ( n = 94) were classified as accidental, suicide, homicide, and unknown. The majority of fatalities (61.7%) were aged 65–70, and all unnatural deaths occurred in metropolitan settings. Homicides accounted for the majority of unnatural fatalities (30.9%), with the motivation being robbery and fighting, and were more common among males. Suicides were limited to males; they occurred primarily in the victim’s house, and a history of psychiatric illnesses was usually revealed. Conclusion: A forensic autopsy is necessary for elderly fatalities without clear diagnoses or unusual circumstances. Male sex, hypertension, unemployment, social isolation, and violent environment are major risk factors among elder suspicious deaths. Cardiovascular failure was the major cause of mortality, with blunt trauma being the most common injury.