Abstract
The objectives of this study were to review variable factors influencing outcomes
in hanging and to identify prognostic factors related to outcomes. Forty-seven patients
presented to our department. Eleven patients survived and 36 died. A significant difference
in mean hanging time was observed between survivor (11.8 ± 8.37 minutes) and nonsurvivor
(50.81 ± 61.9). In survivors, heartbeat was recognized in 63.6% at the scene and in
90.9% on arrival. Conversely, cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) was recognized in all nonsurvivors
and heartbeat was recognized on arrival in only 5.6%. Thirty-nine (83%) had a Glasgow
Coma Score (GCS) of 3 on arrival. Three (7.7%) of theses 39 patients survived. In
survivors, eight patients had a GCS greater than 3. A significant difference in outcome
existed between patients with a GCS of 3 and those with a GCS greater than 3. Hanging
time, presence of CPA at the scene and on arrival, and GCS on arrival represented
prognostic factors of outcome in hanging.
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Article Info
Publication History
Accepted:
May 1,
2003
Received:
May 1,
2003
Identification
Copyright
© 2004 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
