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Sudden deaths of patients in a mental handicap hospital

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 June 2014

J Simpson ,
E McFarland  and
GJ Calvert
J Simpson*
Affiliation:
Muckamore Abbey Hospital, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
E McFarland
Affiliation:
Muckamore Abbey Hospital, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
GJ Calvert
Affiliation:
Muckamore Abbey Hospital, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
*
*Downshire Hospital, Ardglass Road, Downpatrick, Co. Down.
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Abstract

One Hundred and two sudden or traumatic deaths of mental handicap inpatients were examined retrospectively over a 28 year period. Data was obtained on each case from medical and nursing case notes and death certificates. Post-mortem results were available for half of the deaths. Cardio-vascular causes accounted for 50% of the total. Sudden deaths of profoundly handicapped patients occurred at a significantly younger age than severely, moderately or mildly handicapped patients. In the latter half of the 28 year period there was an increased incidence of traumatic deaths and sudden deaths due to asphyxia. There was also a significant increase in the mean age of sudden deaths due to epilepsy. Probable explanations for these findings are discussed. In particular, recent accidental traumatic deaths may be related to the process of increased reintegration of patients into the community; a relationship between neuroleptic and anticholingeric medication and asphyxial deaths is proposed.

Keywords

Sudden deathsMental HandicapAsphyxial deathsTraumatic deaths.
Type
Original Papers
Information
Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine , Volume 7 , Issue 2 , September 1990 , pp. 129 - 131
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1990

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