European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: The common modes of suicide were ingestion of agricultural chemicals,
hanging, self-immolation, and drowning. The present study was conducted to assess injury
pattern and analysis of its outcome in patients presenting to emergency department after
near hanging.
Materials & Methods:136 cases of near hanging presenting to emergency department of
both genders were included and injuries diagnosed, inpatient course, mortality, and
functional disability at the time of discharge was recorded. Injury severity was assessed
using the ISS and the abbreviated injury score for each anatomic body region.
Results: Age group 1-14 years had 46, 15-45 years had 70 and 45- 65 years had 30. Base
deficit was 5.4, ISS score was 8.7, GCS 13-15% was seen in 8, 9-12% in 35, 3-8% in 90 and
missing in 13. Mortality was seen among 42 subjects. The injuries reported was abrasions
in 42%, brain in 28%, spinals in 10%, chest in 8%, larynx/pharynx in 5%, extremity in 4%
and vascular in 3%. The mean ventilator days was 3.6, ICU stay days was 3.9, hospital stay
days was 5.4. Functional outcome complete independence (FIMtot=12) was seen in 87%,
complete disability (FIMtot= 3) in 4%, severe disability feeding (FIM<3) in 8%, severe
disability expression (FIM<3) in 10%, severe disability locomotion (FIM<3) in 11% and
discharged to rehabilitation in 18%.
Conclusion: Hanging injuries are associated with a high overall mortality rate. The
majority of survivors have little to no functional disability.