Anaphylactic deaths: A retrospective study of forensic autopsy cases from 2009 to 2019 in Shanghai, China

• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28049
• Publication Date: 2024-03-12T16:53:47Z
• Authors: Wen-xin Li; Cheng-hui Sun; Zheng-dong Li; Jun-yi Lin; Yu Shao; Long Chen; Li-liang Li; Xing Ye; Yi-wen Shen
• Keywords: Forensic Pathology; Anaphylactic shock; Sudden Death; Laryngeal Edema

Anaphylaxis is a rare but well-known cause of sudden unexpected death, although data from forensic autopsies in anaphylactic deaths are limited. Herein, retrospective study series allergic 2009 through 2019 Shanghai, China, was conducted to investigate the demographic, medical, and pathological characteristics fatal anaphylaxis improve medicolegal understanding on death. Sixty-two autopsy cases death were registered this study. Males dominated (74.2%) against females (25.8%), with an average age 38.8 years. Medications (98.4%), particularly antibiotics (72.6%), most frequent anaphylaxis, 44 (71.0%) occurred clinics administered illegally by unlicensed clinicians. The symptoms began within few minutes less than 1 h 53 cases, dyspnea (56.5%) shock (46.8%) being common clinical signs. Thirty (48.4%) resulted h. Laryngeal edema multiple tissue eosinophil infiltration (85.5%) prevalent findings, followed pulmonary congestion (24.2%), which considered be non-specific suggestive. comorbidities mainly cardiovascular disease (33.9%), pneumonia (8.1%) asthma (8.1%). Serum IgE measured 11 62 ranging 43.3 591 IU/ml, severed as helpful marker. Therefore, we suggested thorough analysis allergen exposure, history findings required for diagnosis currently.