RESUMEN
Aim: Analysis of self-immolation cases and distribution of the resulting burns and their degree. Material and methods: The study included 16 cases from the Department of Forensic Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College in Cracow from 2000-2022 in which the cause of death was self-immolation. Based on the analysis of photographs and autopsy reports, drawings were made showing the exact distribution and nature of the injuries, moreover, the approximate percentage of body surface area affected was determined as well as the frequency of involvement of specific areas of the body, and the presence of previous diseases and mental disorders including previous suicide attempts. Results: 81% of victims were male. Two age groups were predominant among the cases analyzed, namely, individuals around the age of 20, and those between 50 and 60 years of age. 44% of the deceased had burns exceeding 80% of total body surface. The most frequently involved body areas were the extremities and chest as well as head and neck. Fourth-degree burns were most prevalent on the head and neck, third-degree burns prevailed on the upper and lower extremities, second-degree burns were mostly found on the chest, and first-degree burns - on the lower extremities. There were no cases of fourth-degree burns of the buttocks. 38% of the subjects had a history of substance abuse, 56% suffered from mental illnesses, whereas 31% attempted suicide in the past. Conclusions: The distribution of burns in self-immolation cases is inhomogeneous. The most frequently affected area was the head, neck, chest and extremities, most likely due to victims dousing themselves with a flammable substance from the top of the head through the chest. In all cases, the immediate cause of death was burn disease, regardless of the size of the body surface area affected by the burns. The majority of victims had a history of mental illness, substance abuse or suicide attempts.
Asunto(s)
Autopsia , Quemaduras , Suicidio Completo , Humanos , Masculino , Femenino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Adulto , Quemaduras/patología , Quemaduras/mortalidad , Polonia/epidemiología , Adulto Joven , Suicidio Completo/estadística & datos numéricos , Medicina Legal , Causas de Muerte , Suicidio/estadística & datos numéricosRESUMEN
The rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines became essential for addressing the global pandemic. Reactive arthritis after vaccination has been a rare phenomenon. Here, we present a case series of three patients with joint inflammation possibly attributed to COVID-19 immunization (mRNA and live adenovirus vectored vaccine). Symptoms were alleviated using non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs and glucocorticoids. After follow-up, the patients have not been diagnosed with any other rheumatic disease. Reactive arthritis after the COVID-19 vaccine is an unusual adverse effect and poses a negligible risk in comparison to the benefits of immunization, but it should be considered in differential diagnostics by a practicing rheumatologist who cares for patients with new-onset arthritis without apparent cause at the time of pandemic.