title: An approach to iatrogenic deaths.
abstract: Iatrogenic deaths are a concern for patients, physicians, and public health specialists. Most medicolegal investigation jurisdictions in the United States have the legal authority and mandate to investigate deaths associated with diagnostic/therapeutic procedures. Given the decreasing trends of autopsies performed in U.S. hospitals, forensic pathologists are likely to take on an even greater role in investigating these deaths. This is an overview and forensic pathological approach to fatal complications due to diagnostic and therapeutic medical events.
authors.affiliation: Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 11 Shuttle Rd, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA.
authors.forename: Angela R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: McGuire
authors.affiliation: Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 11 Shuttle Rd, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA.
authors.forename: Maura E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: DeJoseph
authors.affiliation: Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, 11 Shuttle Rd, Farmington, CT, 06032, USA. jgill@ocme.org.
authors.forename: James R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Gill
mesh_terms: D000758:Anesthesia / Q000009:adverse effects; D001344:Autopsy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000639:trends; D002423:Cause of Death; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000150:complications; D003644:Death Certificates; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D049429:Forensic Pathology; D006801:Humans; D007049:Iatrogenic Disease; D024382:Professional Role; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000209:etiology; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000009:adverse effects; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
keywords: Autopsy; Fatality; Forensic pathology; Iatrogenic; Therapeutic complication
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