Socio-demographic and toxicological findings from autoptic cases in a Northern Italy community (2017-2022).

Abstract

Introduction: The overall trend in the use of licit and illicit substances is increasing. However, a few data on socio-demographic and toxicological findings in post-mortem cases are available.

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on autoptic cases evaluated in the Institute of Legal Medicine of the cities of Modena and Reggio Emilia in the period 2017-2022. Positivity to toxicological compounds and their relation with sociodemographic and forensic features were evaluated.

Results: A toxicological analysis was conducted in 504 cases out of 794 autopsies, finding 330 positive cases. An association was observed between positivity and increasing age, as well as manner of death. The most frequently observed classes of substances were benzodiazepine (41.2%), followed by alcohol (35.5%) and abuse drugs (24.8%). For every class of substances in at least half of the cases two or more classes were detected. As regards prescribed drugs, approximately 40% of cases assumed 2 or more drugs, while polypharmacy occurred in 6.1%.

Conclusions: Older age and specific causes of deaths appear to be associated with toxicological findings. In addition, co-assumption of licit and illicit substances emerged as a widespread phenomenon in our study population. Under a public health perspective, these data provide findings of relevance for preventive and therapeutic measures.