Prognostic factors in hanging injuries - 26/08/11

Doi : 10.1016/j.ajem.2004.02.012

Takeshi Matsuyama, MD ^a,⁎ , Kazuo Okuchi, MD ^a, Tadahiko Seki, MD ^a, Yoshinori Murao, MD ^a
^a Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Nara Medical University, Kashihara city, Nara, Japan

^*Address reprint requests to Takeshi Matsuyama, MD, Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara city, 634, Nara, Japan

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.

Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.

Keywords : Hanging, hanging time, Glasgow Coma Scale