ISSN: 0022-1198
CODEN: JFSCA
Page Count: 6

Causes of Death of Patients in an Institution for the Developmentally Disabled
Martin, C
Medical student, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, NM

Brown, GW
Medical director, Los Lunas Hospital and Training School, NM

Smialek, JE
Chief medical examiner, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, MD

Blisard, KS
Associate investigator, Research Service (151) Veteran's Administration Medical Center, NM

Davis, LE
Chief, Neurology Service, Veterans Administration Medical Center, NM

McFeeley, PJ
Chief medical investigator, Office of the Medical Investigator, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, NM

(Received 19 October 1987; accepted 6 February 1988)

Abstract

The causes of death of 53 severely to profoundly developmentally disabled patients who died in an intermediate care facility were reviewed. Respiratory disease, predominantly pneumonia and aspiration, accounted for 72% of deaths. Seven patients died of nonrespiratory causes, and in 8 patients, no cause of death could be determined, even after a complete autopsy or investigation. The median age at death was 20 years. The weights of these patients' organs at autopsy were lower than those for normal individuals of the same age. The lifespan of these severely impaired individuals continues to be significantly shortened, even with improved methods of care.

Keywords:
pathology and biology, death, disabled patients, postmortem examinations, medical care facilities

Paper ID: JFS12590J
DOI: 10.1520/JFS12590J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.