Predictors of mortality in near hanging emergency department patients

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, our purpose is to search the factors predicted to have inşuence on mortality in “nearhanging” patients.
Materials and Methods: The records of “near hanging” patients presenting to our Emergency Department (ED) between March 2004 and January 2007 were found through computer and manual search of medical records, and examined retrospectively. The following data were extracted: age, gender, marital status, occupation, event zone, administration time, reason of event (homicide or suicide), vital findings, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), electrocardiography, brain and cervical computed tomography findings, arterial blood gases, complete blood count and biochemical markers. Statistical analyses have been done.
Results: In this study, 14 (50%) of 28 patients were men and the remaining 14 (50%) were women. And 11 (39.2%) of the patients who suffered “near hanging” became ex. There was no significant difference statistically between age and gender in terms of mortality ratios (p>0.05). Presence of low GCS at the time of admission (p=0.000), acidosis in arterial blood gases (p=0.041), elevated serum level lactic acid (p=0.000), hyoid and cervical vertebra fracture (p=0.016) and cerebral edema (p=0.018) were found as predicted factors on mortality of the patients with “near hanging”. Contrary, normal sinus rhythm was found as decreased factors on mortality of the patients with “near hanging” (p=0.002).
Conclusion: Presence of low GCS at the time of admission, acidosis in arterial blood gases, elevated serum level lactic acid, hyoid and cervical vertebra fracture and cerebral edema were found as predicted factors on mortality of the patients with “near hanging”. Contrary, normal sinus rhythm was found as decreased factors on mortality of the patients with “near hanging”.